Coles launches recyclable paper bag packaging for mandarins

Coles has done away with the plastic net bag for mandarins, launching a 100% recyclable paper bag for the winter fruit.

More than one million of the Coles Unique Selection mandarins in paper bags are expected to be sold between April and October this year. The packaging solution is designed to avoid the use of approximately 11,700 kg of plastic in one year and can be recycled kerbside.

Coles General Manager Fresh Produce Charlotte Gilbert said: “We know how much our customers love mandarins at this time of year, so we’re pleased to be able to offer them in a new paper bag that can be put in your recycling bin once you’ve had a chance to enjoy them.”

Planet Ark CEO Rebecca Gilling praised Coles for providing a recyclable alternative to the plastic net bags traditionally used as part of the company’s efforts to reduce food and packaging waste across operations.

“It’s very positive to see Coles designing packaging to avoid plastic waste and provide Aussies with a recyclable alternative to a plastic net bag. While we support buying loose and reusing bags where possible, we commend Coles for its work to close the recycling loop and provide customers with products that can be easily recycled,” Gilling said.