Coles customers defend supermarket's controversial new packaging
Customers are jumping to the defence of Coles after the supermarket giant was slammed for selling single hot cross buns in plastic packaging.
Last year the supermarket divided opinion with their decision to sell the traditionally Easter treat all year round, and it appears a recent move from stores to sell them in plastic individually has only caused further irritation from customers.
Shoppers called the decision “depressing” and “ridiculous”, slamming Coles for its impact on the environment.
Yet a Coles spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia the packaging used was recyclable and could be placed in kerbside recycling bins.
The spokesperson also said they are only used when a single display unit where customers select single items themselves were not present.
Customers defend Coles’ new packaging
But while a wave of discontent flooded in over the move, several customers have since backed the move.
Dennis Betts told Yahoo News Australia the move actually means less waste for him and other shoppers.
“I find it better for me shopping for one person,” he said.
“The fact is I don't waste as much food that way.”
He said the packaging wouldn’t be dangerous to the environment if communities stepped up their recycling efforts.
Another shopper told Yahoo News Australia they only ever want one, and five regularly get thrown out.
She said the plastic wrapping was far more hygienic than open displays.
“Give me a Single Hot Cross Bun or a single bread roll in this packaging any day.”
Packaging in supermarkets has been a hot topic in Australia for several years, with growing discontent from shoppers over the amount of plastic used in store.
Last month, Woolworths told Yahoo News Australia they would consider unveiling plastic-free fruit and vegetables if a trial in its New Zealand Countdown was successful.
The potential move comes after the supermarket faced continuous criticism over the amount of plastics used in store.
Coles and Woolworths removed single use plastic bags from stores in 2018 but experts have questioned whether the bag ban was effective with the sale of reusable plastic bags soaring.
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