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Partnering for progress to reduce & recycle plastic packaging

A collaborative transformation: Soft plastics recycling
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Reducing waste across the value chain is a shared challenge. Transitioning our business to a circular economy can only be achieved through collective action across industry, government and suppliers. Our industry partnerships continue to deliver innovative solutions for our products, such as our collaboration on reusable plastic crates and our work with partners on the evolution of our Macro nut range to paper packaging. 

While meeting Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets is voluntary for our suppliers, we continue to provide awareness, education and encouragement, particularly phasing out the hardest to recycle materials. Our ‘Woolworths Group – Packaging Preferred Materials List and Format Guidelines’ assists suppliers to reduce problematic materials from their packaging. We collaborate through our Trade Partner Sustainability Council for Sustainable Packaging & Circularity to advocate for Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) adoption, encouraging more recycled content for plastic packaging and promote plastic packaging reduction.

We actively engage with local, state and federal governments across Australia and New Zealand on the future of packaging and the circular economy. We provide input through formal submissions to government consultations, help our suppliers adapt to changes in packaging laws, and share insights with our industry associations. In New Zealand, over 90% of our domestic produce is transported from farm to shelf in reusable crates, thanks to our collaboration with CHEP.

Case study: Cocktail Tomatoes

Our new packaging for cocktail truss tomatoes represents a significant leap in sustainable material selection. We have transitioned from traditional plastic punnets to a renewable cardboard punnet made from 100% recycled fibre and featuring a clear cellulose window.  By replacing the previous plastic pack, the new punnet, has resulted in a 61-tonne annual reduction in plastic usage.

The 100% recycled fibre content supports the circular packaging economy. The cellulose window provides the essential product visibility required for fresh produce while remaining entirely plant derived. This combination allows the entire pack to meet kerbside recycling collection thresholds. To ensure appropriate recovery, the packaging utilises the ARL to provide clear on pack instructions for consumers.