Pak 'n Save and New World trialling recycled paper bags for bulk foods

Tuesday, 25 February 2020

Recycled paper bags might replace plastic bags in the bulk food sections of Pak 'n Save and New World supermarkets if a trial running until the end of March is successful.

The supermarkets, owned by Foodstuffs, and Alison's Pantry which supplies the bulk foods in the stores, would trial the paper bags in 30 supermarkets from Tuesday this week, Foodstuffs sustainable packaging project manager Kelly McClean said.

If successful, the bags would be rolled out nationwide in July, she said.

The plastic bags would continue to be available during the trial period, she said.

**READ MOR:

* Countdown offers bring-your-own container service

Alison's Pantry bulk goods in some Pak 'n Save and New World supermarkets are trialing paper bags to replace plastic bags.

* Countdown trials plastic packaging-free fruit and veges in Auckland stores

* Single-use plastic bags no longer in New Zealand supermarkets**

Plastic bags used in the bulk food sections may be phased out if the trial is successful.

A ban on single use check-out plastic bags came into effect last year.

Rival Countdown is also trialling paper bags in the fruit and vegetable sections of three Auckland supermarkets.

Foodstuffs introduced 'food in the nude' in 2017 to reduce plastic on fruit and veg, and both chains introduced a bring-your-own container service at deli and seafood counters last year.

Foodstuffs is trialing recycled paper bags at stores across the country during March. Customers will have the option to continue using the plastic bags during the trial.

McClean said the trial would determine if customers preferred plastic or paper bags. .

Customer feedback would be sought before a final decision was made, she said

Prolife Foods brand manager Kristina McCalman said shoppers used the plastic resealable bags for storage at home and the trial would establish how customers respond to the new bags.

The new bags are made from 70 per cent recycled paper, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and can be recycled at kerbside. They feature a glassine paper-based window so customers can still see what's inside, a Foodstuffs statement said.

McLean said Foodstuffs was investigating where it could remove packaging entirely from the supermarket and supply chain.

The trials will be held across the country.

North Island:

New World in Kumeu (north of Auckland), Victoria Park, Albany and Howick (Auckland), Brookfield (Bay of Plenty), Regent (Whangarei), Whitianga, New Plymouth, Thorndon (Wellington) and Porirua.

Pak 'n Save Silverdale, Royal Oak and Pukekohe (Auckland), Petone and Lower Hutt (Lower Hutt), Kilbirnie (Wellington), Mill Street (Hamilton), Palmerston North, Napier and Te Awamutu.

South Island:

New World in Durham Street, Fendalton, St Martins and Northwood (Christchurch), Centre City (Dunedin), Wanaka and Ashburton.

Pak 'n Save in Richmond (Nelson) and Riccarton (Christchurch).