You’re Paying a ‘Plastic Premium’ at the Supermarket – and It’s Getting Worse
Australians are effectively subsidizing supermarket plastic waste, shelling out more for groceries simply to avoid the environmental cost of unnecessary packaging. A new report, “Unwrapped 2025,” reveals a disturbing trend: choosing plastic-free produce often comes with a price hike, and options to avoid plastic are dwindling, particularly at Aldi. This isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a cost-of-living problem hidden in plain sight.
The Price of Going Plastic-Free
The Unwrapped 2025 report, compiled by AMCS and Boomerang Alliance, paints a stark picture. Across Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and Metcash (IGA, Foodland, Supa Valu, Campbells), volunteers found that loose produce was, on average, 73% more expensive than its pre-packaged counterpart. At Aldi, a kilo of loose brown onions cost $3.49, while the plastic-wrapped version was $2.99 – a seemingly small difference, but one that adds up over a weekly shop. This ‘plastic premium’ is forcing consumers to choose between their wallets and their environmental values.
Aldi Lags Behind in Transparency and Reduction
The report card isn’t kind to any of the major players, but Aldi received the lowest score for its unnecessary use of single-use plastic and a lack of transparency regarding its plastic footprint. Coles, Metcash, and Woolworths followed in that order. While all supermarkets acknowledge the need to reduce plastic, the pace of change is slow, and the availability of plastic-free alternatives remains inconsistent. Over 20% of produce at Aldi had no loose option available, compared to 12% at Woolworths and just 4% at Coles.
Beyond Produce: The Hidden Plastic Costs
The problem extends far beyond fruits and vegetables. The report highlights the absurdity of individually wrapped processed cheese slices and the sheer volume of plastic fruit stickers – 110 tonnes of which end up in landfill or waterways annually. These seemingly minor items contribute to the staggering 140,000 tonnes of plastic entering the Australian environment each year, with packaging now accounting for 58% of litter collected by Clean Up Australia volunteers.
Online Shopping: A Plastic Paradox
Even opting for the convenience of online grocery shopping doesn’t guarantee a reduction in plastic. Volunteers found that 10 out of 12 Coles online orders included produce bags, even when shoppers specifically selected loose items – in one instance, a single garlic bulb was bagged. Woolworths performed slightly better, but the issue highlights a disconnect between consumer intention and supermarket practice.
Supermarket Responses and the Road Ahead
Supermarkets are responding, albeit at varying speeds. Woolworths boasts removing over 20,000 tonnes of virgin plastic since 2018 and achieving 52% recycled content in its packaging. Coles emphasizes its commitment to reducing plastic and improving recyclability, while acknowledging the role packaging plays in convenience and food safety. Aldi points to 87.1% of its exclusive brand packaging being recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Metcash highlights its work with local producers and independent retailers to expand loose options.
However, these efforts often feel like incremental changes in the face of a systemic problem. The focus on recyclability is also problematic, as Australia’s recycling infrastructure struggles to cope with the volume and complexity of plastic waste. True progress requires a shift towards reusable packaging systems and a reduction in overall plastic consumption.
NSW Government Steps In, But Is It Enough?
The recent announcement by the NSW government to phase out single-use plastics, including fruit stickers and fish-shaped soy sauce containers by 2030, is a welcome step. However, a 2030 deadline feels distant, and a more comprehensive, nationally coordinated approach is needed. The EU, for example, is taking a more aggressive stance with broader bans and stricter regulations on packaging.
The Future of Supermarket Packaging: Beyond Recycling
The future of supermarket packaging isn’t about better recycling; it’s about fundamentally rethinking how we deliver groceries to consumers. We can expect to see increased investment in reusable container systems, potentially involving deposit schemes or subscription models. Innovative materials, such as seaweed-based packaging and mushroom packaging, are also gaining traction. Furthermore, pressure from consumers and advocacy groups will likely force supermarkets to prioritize transparency and accountability in their plastic reduction efforts. The ‘plastic premium’ won’t disappear overnight, but a combination of policy changes, technological innovation, and consumer demand can pave the way for a more sustainable – and affordable – grocery shopping experience.
What changes would you like to see supermarkets make to reduce plastic waste? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
