Woolworths will no longer sell single-use plastic picnicware, in a move that will eliminate approximately 2.1 million kilograms of plastic annually.
Replacing the plastic picnicware will be an extended range sustainable picnicware, including FSC certified wooden cutlery and paper cups and plates, and bowls and plates made from sugarcane pulp.
James Hepworth, Commercial Director for Everyday Needs at Woolworths, said the company is committed to growing greener for customers and the community by increasing the sustainability of its range.
“Removing single-use plastic cutlery and other picnicware will not only cut plastic in landfill but is the right thing to do for the health of our oceans and waterways where these items can unfortunately end up.
“Along with this change, we’re offering customers an extended picnic range of more sustainable options made from materials like sugarcane pulp, bamboo, wood and paper.”
Over the past few years, Woolworths have been taking steps in removing various other single-use plastics such as replacing the plastic stems in cotton tips with stems made from paper and sugarcane, and in 2018 it stopped the sale of plastic straws and bags.
The announcement comes as the NSW Government introduced new legislation, The Plastics and Circular Economy Act 2021, that will see single-use plastics such as plastic bags and cutlery banned across the state by November 2022.
Woolworths has committed to make 100 per cent of its own brand packaging recyclable, compostable, or reusable by the end of 2023.