Despite the covid-19 pandemic, 70% of Australians are continuing to care for our planet and making sustainable choices whilst shopping, according to a recent national customer online survey conducted by Woolworths Group.
In the past, Woolworths has been heavily scrutinised for its delayed response to change its plastic use across its stores, but over the past year, they’ve focused on a commitment to a greener future. “Woolworths remains as committed as ever to creating a greener future,” Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said.
One of the changes Woolworths has implemented is the change from plastic packaging of fruit and vegetables to recycled cardboard packaging. This shift toward sustainable packaging is being seen throughout all supermarket shelves as consumers look for authenticity as they reevaluate their buying habits. We have seen a return to buying basics and with this a desire for products that remind us of our childhood days, a simpler time. This is an opportunity for brand owners to attract new customers.
Woolworths have claimed to have removed 237 tonnes of plastic packaging in the last year and are committed to going even further. Earlier this June, Woolworths announced it would be providing customers with an option to purchase 20c paper bags at checkouts as an alternative to plastic bags.
“While we’ve made pleasing progress in reducing the amount of plastic in our stores, supported recycling labelling initiatives, and made improvements in energy efficiency, sustainable sourcing and reducing food waste, we know there is still much more to be done to meet our customers and our own aspirations,” Mr Banducci said.
Retailers including Woolworths are also a strong supporter of RedCycle. An initiative which has seen 10,600 shopping trolleys’ worth of soft plastics have been recycled. Anything from bread bags to chocolate wrappers to pet food bags can be recycled.
The results of each of these initiatives have shown how the combined efforts of brand owners, retailers and consumers alike, which may seem small, helps us to move faster into a more sustainable and greener way of life.
Converting packaging to a more sustainable option can involve many aspects. Mela Creative has worked with many forms of packaging over the past 25 years. Give us a call.
Main Image Source: news.com.au
Sources: packagingnews.com.au/latest/woolworths-enters-the-loop-with-aussie-first
https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/woolworths-unpacks-steps-towards-a-greener-future
