Small detail in Coles BYO container scheme sparks confusion
A new sustainability scheme has left shoppers at Coles scratching their heads due to one seemingly counterintuitive detail.
The retailer’s Together to Zero campaign has seen a handful of stores begin trialling a “bring your own packaging” scheme allowing customers to use reusable containers for items purchased from the deli counter.
However, many are puzzled by one requirement of the scheme - the containers must be plastic.
A sign displayed in a trial store in Blackwood, South Australia, which asked shoppers to “help reduce packaging” by bringing their own containers for deli workers to fill was shared on Facebook earlier this week by a shopper encouraging others to take part in the scheme.
The sign also included requirements that the containers were “clean and intact”, had a “reusable lid”, and weren’t made of “glass or ceramic”.
With the banning of single-use bags and plastic tableware, some questioned the sustainability project’s reliance on plastic over more sustainable options.
“Shame there’s no glass containers allowed, but still a good move,” one person commented.
“I only have glass so it’s completely useless for me,” another shared.
“More crap to take to the store,” a third pointed out.
Others shared concerns over the condition of containers that people would bring in, as well as the risk of food poisoning.
“As much as I love the reusable option. I have fears about this. People will be bringing in manky containers that have sat in their cars for two days to refill,” one concerned person wrote.
“How does this cover them for food poisoning?” another asked.
Despite the concerns, some were more optimistic about the trial, with one person describing it as a “good start” and another sharing that they would “make a special trip or two” to take part.
The trial of BYO containers will be taking place across several South Australian Coles supermarkets, including those in Burnside, Blackwood, Unley, Bridgewater, Mount Barker and Murray Bridge, as well as a store in Kew, Victoria.
During the trial, the BYO containers aren’t allowed to be used for deli salads, frozen prawns, barbecue items, hot food, deli express products, or self-serve cheese or platters.
A Coles spokesperson said the company was closely monitoring feedback of the trial, telling news.com.au that it will inform whether the scheme is rolled out to additional stores across the country.
“As part of our Together to Zero Waste ambition, Coles is always looking for ways to reduce reliance on unnecessary single-use plastic, while giving customers sustainable options to help them complete their shop,” the spokesperson said.
“We are trialling bring-your-own containers at a handful of Coles supermarket delis in South Australia, to understand how best to provide this option to customers while continuing to meet stringent food safety standards.
“We will be looking closely at how our South Australian customers respond, and the feedback and insights will inform our consideration for potentially rolling this out to more stores in South Australia, or around Australia.”
Image: Facebook