Costa Group has partnered with Coles and Opal in a large-scale trial to replace rPET plastic punnets with recyclable cardboard packaging for Perino tomatoes, now available across Coles’ Victorian stores.
The trial forms part of Costa’s packaging transition strategy, with the new punnets designed and manufactured by Opal using recycled paper. The move is expected to reduce reliance on plastic packaging while supporting Coles’ circularity targets and Australia’s national packaging targets.
Manpreet Sidhu, chief operating officer, domestic produce at Costa, said the initiative represents an important step in meeting industry commitments. “This trial marks a major milestone in Costa’s packaging transformation journey. Costa is proud to be taking meaningful action to meet APCO’s national packaging targets, while recognising that consumers are increasingly demanding environmentally sustainable solutions.”
According to Coles, the change responds directly to customer expectations. “We know Perino tomatoes are a household favourite for many of our customers, and this trial is a meaningful step in reducing plastic in our stores while ensuring our customers who love to eat Perino tomatoes can still enjoy them at the highest quality,” said Brooke Donnelly, general manager sustainability, Coles.
David Pointer, general manager – corporate business at Opal, said the company had applied its packaging expertise to deliver a recyclable solution suited to fresh produce.
“Opal is excited to partner with Costa and Coles on this innovative Perino tomato punnet trial,” Pointer said. “By applying our packaging expertise, we’ve delivered a recyclable cardboard solution that is lightweight yet robust to protect fresh produce through supply chains. The punnet maintains product freshness and quality, and is an example of a clever collaboration that reduces the use of plastic.”
The trial will provide insights into packaging performance, product quality, consumer response and supply chain integration. If successful, it could pave the way for a national rollout of cardboard packs across the fresh produce sector.
