Woolworths update to Single Use & Reusable Plastic Policy: national ban on integrated single use plastic items
2 August 2024
Woolworths Group has updated their Single Use & Reusable Plastic Policy to include a national ban on integrated single use plastic items in packaging as of 1 January 2025. This includes but is not limited to Supermarkets, Metro, BIG W, Everyday Market, and HealthyLife.
Integrated single-use plastic items in packaging
Integrated single-use plastic items are plastic items that form part of a product’s packaging or are included within the product. Some examples include:
- Plastic straws attached to a juice box.
- Plastic spoons sealed to the packaging of a snack pack or yoghurt tub
- Plastic utensils sealed inside product packaging (e.g. loose utensils sealed inside tubs)
This policy is reflective of the upcoming state legislative bans for the sale and distribution of integrated single use plastic items in packaging in New South Wales and South Australia in 2025, and Victoria in 2026.
From 1 January 2025 Woolworths Group will not accept any products with integrated single-use plastic items nationally to be sold on-shelf or online.
Next steps
Businesses that supply products with integrated single use plastic items in packaging are required to complete this form by 6th August 2024 to confirm compliance or the phase-out timeline for product removal (through supply chains and on shelf) by 1 January 2025.
If you do not supply any products with integrated single use plastic items in packaging, no action is required from you.
For more information, contact your Woolworths Group Category Manager.
Contact
Sarah Collier, Associate Director Sustainability (sarah.collier@afgc.org.au) or
Kristy Barber, Manager – Sustainability (kristy.barber@afgc.org.au)
