Australia’s largest supermarket chains, including Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi, are under intense scrutiny following a recent audit that questions their commitment to reducing plastic waste. The audit, conducted by the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) and Boomerang Alliance, reveals that these retailers are not only falling short of their environmental promises but are also charging customers more for loose produce compared to plastic-wrapped items.
The report highlights that in approximately 73% of instances, loose fruit and vegetables are more expensive than their plastic-wrapped counterparts. This pricing strategy has significant implications for consumers who wish to make environmentally conscious choices at the checkout. For example, the cost of loose oranges averaged $4.24 per kilogram, while pre-packaged oranges were available for $2.49 per kilogram. Such pricing practices effectively penalize those opting for plastic-free options.
In light of a recent ban on common plastic items in New South Wales, the findings have sparked outrage among environmentalists and consumers alike. Tara Jones, Program Manager at AMCS, expressed concerns that supermarkets continue to “sweep the plastic pollution crisis under the shelf” while plastic waste accumulates in oceans and on beaches. The audit took data from numerous volunteer shoppers who collected evidence on the supermarkets’ transparency, plastic reduction efforts, recycling practices, and governance.
Audit Results and Supermarket Responses
The findings revealed stark differences in performance among the major retailers. Woolworths led the pack with a plastic performance score of 38%, while Coles scored 19%, and Aldi trailed with a mere 14%. AMCS noted that Woolworths has made some progress, including a reduction of 3,200 tonnes of virgin plastic; however, the company has been criticized for its lack of transparency and inadequate reuse targets.
Coles, while acknowledged for removing over 600 million pieces of conventional plastic from its own brand products since 2021, was found lacking in its engagement with environmental organizations. The company’s sustainability report referred to AMCS as a partner but did not provide substantial evidence of its efforts to reduce plastic packaging.
Aldi’s performance was particularly poor, as it has not released its 2024 sustainability report and skipped the audit survey. The report noted that Aldi had previously shown leadership in addressing plastic waste but has since ceased public disclosures regarding its packaging footprint and reduction targets.
Despite these findings, each supermarket defended its practices. Woolworths highlighted its removal of over 20,000 tonnes of virgin plastic from own brand packaging since 2018 and noted that a significant portion of its fruit and vegetable range is sold loose. The retailer stated that bulk packaging allows for a lower price per kilogram, thus providing options for consumers.
Coles emphasized its commitment to cutting unnecessary plastic while ensuring product safety and hygiene, stating that their packaging choices are aimed at reducing food waste. Aldi pointed to its focus on sustainable packaging, claiming that as of 2024, 87.1% of its exclusive brand packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable.
Future Implications for Australian Supermarkets
The audit’s conclusion is alarming: Australia is not on track to meet its 2025 packaging reduction targets. The report attributes this failure largely to the nation’s largest grocery retailers, suggesting they prioritize convenience and profit over genuine environmental reform. With the recent ban on certain plastics, the pressure is mounting for supermarkets to adapt and take more meaningful action.
The AMCS and Boomerang Alliance audit serves as a vital reminder of the responsibility that large retailers have in combating plastic waste. As more Australians shop online, the potential for increased plastic usage remains a concern unless supermarkets take decisive steps to improve their practices.
In this context, customers may need to reconsider their purchasing habits and advocate for more transparent and sustainable practices from their local supermarkets. The full audit is publicly available, providing consumers with insights into how their choices impact the environment and prompting a broader conversation about sustainability in the retail sector.
