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

Syntegon reports strong sustainability progress in 2024 and sets ambitious climate targets
Supplier News

Syntegon reports strong sustainability progress in 2024 and sets ambitious climate targets

Syntegon, a leading global technology company and strategic partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech...
London Packaging Week reports unprecedented demand as industry leaders gear up for landmark event
Events

London Packaging Week reports unprecedented demand as industry leaders gear up for landmark event

London Packaging Week 2025 returns to Excel London this October with record demand, uniting over...
Ocado scales packaging traceability with invisible UV tags on milk bottles
Technology

Ocado scales packaging traceability with invisible UV tags on milk bottles

Ocado Retail has announced the expansion of its packaging traceability efforts in the UK through a...
Industry partnership drives large-scale rollout of paper-based carton closures
Business

Industry partnership drives large-scale rollout of paper-based carton closures

SIG has entered a strategic partnership with PulPac, a company known for its Dry Molded Fiber...
Registration now open for the Responsible Packaging Expo – secure your FREE ticket today!
Events

Registration now open for the Responsible Packaging Expo – secure your FREE ticket today!

The Responsible Packaging Expo returns to ExCeL London on 30th September and 1st October, and...