Coles ditches plastic for paper grape bags – but not everyone is happy

Coles ditches plastic for paper grape bags – but not everyone is happy

Sustainability

Coles has introduced paper bags for its grapes, replacing traditional plastic packaging in an effort to reduce environmental impact. The initiative follows a successful trial in Victoria and Tasmania, with the supermarket reporting that over 64 tonnes of plastic bags were prevented from reaching landfill during the pilot phase. The new paper ‘handbags’ are now being rolled out across all stores nationwide.

Customers have shared mixed opinions about the switch, with many praising the environmentally friendly change.

“Grabbed them today, happy they changed,” one shopper commented.

“I’m so impressed. This is such an easy change that will make a big difference,” wrote another.

Others described the design as “smart” and said they “loved it” and that the bags “worked well.”

“They are great. I washed my grapes in this bag … holes at the bottom. Drained and ate them. Then composted the bag,” one customer shared.

Another shopper noted that the packaging helped keep their grapes “fresh.”

By © Vyacheslav Argenberg (CC BY 4.0)

However, some customers have raised concerns about the practicality of the new bags.

“Good in theory, but I like being able to see into the clear bag to make sure they aren't all gross inside,” one person said.

Another commented: “Well you can't see all the bad (grapes) hiding in there.”

Durability has also been a point of contention, with several shoppers reporting that the bags ripped easily.

“Ours ripped just lifting it into the trolley,” one customer claimed.

“Have you tried carrying them though? The handles rip so easily. Really not practical,” another shared.

While the transition to paper packaging aims to improve sustainability, it has sparked debate among shoppers over functionality and design.

In May last year, Coles announced the launch of recyclable paper bag packaging for its Unique Selection mandarins, replacing the traditional plastic net bags.

Latest Packaging News

Lyte Packaging: Smart Packaging launches at exhibitions across Europe
Supplier News

Lyte Packaging: Smart Packaging launches at exhibitions across Europe

Paris Packaging Week and Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 2025 kicked off to a flying start...
Allpack Launches Comprehensive Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Guide to Drive Sustainable Business Practices
Supplier News

Allpack Launches Comprehensive Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Guide to Drive Sustainable Business Practices

Allpack Packaging Ltd, a leader in innovative packaging solutions, has recently launched a new...
FANCL launches refillable skincare range with reusable packaging
Sustainability

FANCL launches refillable skincare range with reusable packaging

Japanese cosmetics brand FANCL has unveiled its latest skincare line, “toiro,” which features...
LNER turns packaging waste from trains and stations into useful new products
Sustainability

LNER turns packaging waste from trains and stations into useful new products

LNER has provided insight into its recycling efforts with a recent visit to its dedicated recycling...
YPS announce commitment to net zero by 2035
Supplier News

YPS announce commitment to net zero by 2035

The Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS) Board has announced its commitment to a net zero target of 10...