Recyclable cardboard punnet for tomatoes being trialled in Vic

In a joint effort to help reduce plastic packaging, Costa is partnering with Coles and Opal in a large-scale trial to change rPET plastic packaging for Perino tomatoes to recyclable cardboard packaging.

The newly packaged punnets, designed and manufactured by Opal and made from recycled paper, will replace Costa’s existing 80% rPET punnet at Coles’ Victorian stores.

“Costa is proud to be taking meaningful action to meet APCO’s national packaging targets, while recognising that consumers are increasingly demanding environmentally sustainable solutions,” said Manpreet Sidhu, Chief Operating Officer, Domestic Produce at Costa Group.

The trial has been set up to provide insights into packaging performance, product quality, consumer response and supply chain integration. If successful, the packaging alternative could be rolled out across the nation.

“Opal is excited to partner with Costa and Coles on this innovative Perino tomato punnet trial,” said David Pointer, General Manager — Corporate Business, Opal.

The Opal recyclable cardboard punnet is lightweight yet robust to protect fresh produce through supply chains. It has been designed to help maintain product freshness and quality, while reducing plastic for an improved environmental footprint across the product’s lifecycle.