Costa, Coles and Opal join forces to trial cardboard packaging in Victoria
Costa Group has partnered with Coles and Opal in a large-scale trial to transition packaging for Perino tomatoes from rPET plastic to recyclable cardboard packaging across Coles’ Victorian stores.
This initiative is designed to underscore a shared commitment to reducing plastic packaging and supports Coles’ circularity targets to increase packaging recyclability.
The new cardboard Costa Perino packs, designed and manufactured by Opal and made from recycled paper, are being trialled to replace Costa’s existing 80 per cent rPET punnets. This change is designed to reduce the industry’s reliance on plastic.
“This trial marks a major milestone in Costa’s packaging transformation journey,” said Manpreet Sidhu, chief operating officer, domestic produce at Costa Group.
“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.”
Now available in Coles’ Victorian stores, the trial will provide insights into packaging performance, product quality, consumer response, and supply chain integration. A successful outcome could pave the way for a national rollout.
Brooke Donnelly, general manager sustainability, Coles said: “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 whilst ensuring our customers who love to eat Perino tomatoes can still enjoy them at the highest quality.”
Opal general manager – corporate business, David Pointer, said the company was excited to partner with Costa and Coles on the initiative.
“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 it’s an example of a clever collaboration that reduces the use of plastic,” said Pointer.
