First published July 2024, updated June 2026.
Why supermarkets must take responsibility for plastic packaging waste
By Tracey Bailey, Founder of Biome and advocate for plastic-free living since 2003
Quick answer
Australians are increasingly concerned about plastic waste, but much of the responsibility sits beyond individual households. Food packaging remains one of the largest sources of household plastic waste, and supermarkets and manufacturers have enormous influence over the systems that create it. Expanding refill options, reducing unnecessary packaging, improving recycling systems and prioritising reusable solutions are some of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste at scale.
In our day-to-day lives, avoiding single-use plastics has become a daunting challenge. Despite individual efforts to reduce plastic waste, the ubiquity of plastic packaging in grocery stores continues to be a major barrier.
Plastic waste is often framed as a consumer problem. Bring your own bags. Refuse plastic straws. Recycle carefully. These actions matter, but they only address part of the issue.
For many Australians, the biggest source of plastic entering the home is already attached to the products they buy. From fruit wrapped in plastic trays to pre-packaged snacks and convenience meals, consumers often have limited control over how products are packaged before they reach supermarket shelves.
A recent survey of Biome customers highlighted this pervasive issue, revealing that the majority of our plastic waste woes stem from the way our groceries are packaged and sold. Supermarkets and food manufacturers have the greatest power to reduce this waste and drive meaningful change, yet consumers are often left carrying most of the responsibility while the industries creating the problem are not doing enough to solve it.
What Biome customers told us
✓ Plastic food packaging is one of the biggest sources of household plastic waste.
✓ Consumers feel frustrated by excessive packaging and limited alternatives.
✓ Recycling alone is not solving the problem.
✓ Customers want more refill options and genuinely plastic-free choices.
✓ Supermarkets and manufacturers should take greater responsibility for the packaging they create and sell.
The packaging problem consumers cannot solve alone
Packaging fact: Australia uses more than 1.3 million tonnes of plastic packaging each year, and more than 1 million tonnes ends up in landfill or as litter.
Tonnes of packaging
placed on the Australian market in 2023–24
Current recycling rate
for plastic packaging
Not recovered
business-to-consumer plastic packaging not recovered in 2023–24
Did you know? Business-to-consumer plastic packaging had a recovery rate of just 22% in 2023–24, meaning almost 4 out of every 5 pieces of consumer plastic packaging were not recovered.
The data tells a clear story: despite growing awareness and years of encouraging consumers to recycle more, most plastic packaging is still not being recovered.
While household actions matter, they can only go so far. Consumers can only choose from the options available to them, and much of the packaging entering Australian homes has already been decided before a product reaches the shelf.
Food packaging is often designed for convenience, transport and shelf life rather than reuse or recyclability, highlighting the need for action from supermarkets, manufacturers and governments as well as households.
This is why the conversation must move beyond individual responsibility and focus on reducing packaging at the source. Preventing unnecessary packaging in the first place remains one of the most effective ways to reduce plastic pollution.
Why Australians are frustrated and concerned with plastic packaging
Environmental and health impacts
Consumers are deeply concerned about the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste. The long-lasting nature of plastic, its inability to biodegrade, and the infiltration of microplastics into our food and water systems are significant worries.
These issues not only affect wildlife and ecosystems, but also raise serious concerns about human exposure to microplastics and plastic-associated chemicals. For more background, read our article on plastic pollution statistics in Australia.
Plastic scale fact: Australia consumed approximately 4 million tonnes of plastic products and packaging in 2023–24.
The recycling conundrum
Recycling remains an important part of reducing waste, but current systems cannot keep up with the sheer volume and complexity of plastic packaging being produced.
Recycling practices vary between councils, not all packaging is accepted, and even recyclable materials can end up in landfill when systems fail or markets for recycled materials are limited.
Recycling fact: Australia’s national target is for 70% of plastic packaging to be recycled or composted. Current performance sits at around 19–20%.
Many people are disheartened by these limitations. The reality is that current recycling infrastructure cannot effectively recover the volume of plastic packaging being placed on the market, reinforcing the need to reduce packaging at the source.
Manufacturer responsibility
The lack of accountability from manufacturers, who effectively “wash their hands” of the end-of-life of the products they produce, is a significant issue.
Companies continue to use excessive plastic packaging, often prioritising convenience, profit, transport efficiency and shelf appeal over environmental responsibility. This practice contributes to the growing plastic waste crisis and places the burden of waste management on consumers.
Single-use fact: Around 95% of plastic packaging is discarded after a single use.
Packaged convenience foods
The plastic waste crisis and the rise of packaged convenience foods are intertwined challenges that demand urgent action. In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for convenience has led to a proliferation of heavily packaged processed food products and pre-prepared meals.
While these “quick and easy” solutions are marketed as time-savers, they come with significant drawbacks: excessive plastic packaging, more single-use materials and often lower nutritional value.
Soft plastics fact: Australians use around 70 billion pieces of soft plastic every year, including bread bags, food wrappers and produce packaging.
Reducing plastic waste is not simply about swapping one material for another. It also means creating food systems that make fresh, whole foods easier to access, more appealing and more affordable.
Greenwashing
Another concern highlighted is the prevalence of greenwashing in supermarkets. Consumers feel misled by false, vague or exaggerated claims of sustainability.
This lack of transparency and genuine effort further complicates the fight against plastic waste.
The search for sustainable alternatives
Consumers are also frustrated by the limited availability of genuinely sustainable alternatives.
Reusable produce bags, beeswax wraps, refillable containers and glass storage options exist, but plastic-free and refill solutions are not always easy to access through mainstream grocery shopping.
The lack of viable, widespread alternatives makes it difficult to transition away from single-use plastics effectively.
For practical household changes, see our guide to plastic free swaps.
Who has the greatest power to reduce plastic waste?
Consumers can refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle, but they do not design packaging systems.
The decisions that shape plastic waste are often made long before a product reaches a shopping trolley. Manufacturers choose packaging materials, retailers decide what products are stocked, and governments set the rules that guide waste reduction and recovery.
If Australia is serious about reducing plastic waste, responsibility must be shared across the entire supply chain rather than resting solely on individual households.
Grocery stores have an opportunity to lead
Addressing the plastic waste problem requires action from all stakeholders, and grocery stores are in a unique position to lead the charge.
By making fresh, whole foods more accessible, reducing reliance on packaged convenience foods and expanding refill systems, supermarkets can drive significant change.
It is time for major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths and Aldi to take bold steps towards reducing packaging waste and making low-waste shopping easier and more accessible.
One solution already exists: refill systems
Refill models reduce the need for single-use packaging by allowing customers to purchase only what they need and reuse containers repeatedly.
While refill shopping remains a small part of Australia's retail landscape, it demonstrates that alternatives to single-use packaging are possible.
The challenge is scaling these systems beyond independent stores and making them available through major supermarkets.
Refill systems already work. The challenge is making them mainstream.
How supermarkets can reduce plastic waste
Given these challenges, it is clear that grocery stores must take a more active role in addressing the plastic waste problem. In Australia, the powerful duopoly of Coles and Woolworths, along with other significant chains like Aldi, holds the key to driving meaningful change.
Zero plastic shopping sections
Designating areas of the store for zero-waste shopping, complete with reusable bags, containers and bulk dispensers, can make it easier for consumers to avoid plastic packaging.
Expanding refill stations for essentials like grains, nuts, spices, pasta, oils, cleaning and personal care products can significantly reduce packaging waste.
Stores can offer incentives for customers who bring their own containers, making it easier and more cost-effective to shop sustainably. This approach not only minimises waste but also empowers consumers to make eco-friendly choices.
Reduce promotions on packaged convenience foods
Grocery stores must reconsider their promotional strategies for heavily packaged convenience foods.
Instead, they can focus on promoting fresh, unprocessed foods through discounts, special offers and loyalty programs.
Grow the footprint for fresh, whole foods
While fresh fruit and vegetables are often the first thing shoppers see, much of the supermarket footprint is dedicated to packaged grocery products. Expanding fresh food, bulk food and refill options could help reduce packaging waste at the source.
Highlighting seasonal produce, bulk grains, nuts, seeds and other pantry staples can encourage more home cooking and reduce reliance on heavily packaged convenience foods.
Supermarkets can further support this shift through recipe cards, meal-planning inspiration and practical cooking education that makes preparing simple, whole-food meals feel accessible and achievable.
Enhance recycling programs
Grocery stores can improve their recycling programs by offering in-store recycling for difficult-to-recycle items, such as soft plastics and electronics.
Partnering with recycling companies to ensure these materials are processed correctly can significantly reduce waste.
Recycling reality: Even at its peak, the REDcycle program collected less than 2% of soft plastic packaging placed on the Australian market.
Incentivise reusables
Offering discounts or rewards for customers who bring their own bags, containers and produce bags can promote a culture of reusability and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
Educational campaigns, in-store workshops and collaborative community programs
Educating consumers about the benefits of cooking from scratch is crucial.
Stores can host in-store workshops and cooking demonstrations that teach customers how to prepare healthy, delicious meals using whole ingredients. These sessions can also provide tips on meal planning and batch cooking to save time.
Partnering with local organisations to host events, workshops and educational programs focused on sustainability can foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Partnerships with local producers
Collaborating with local farmers and producers can help grocery stores offer fresh, locally sourced products with minimal packaging.
This not only supports the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods.
Prioritise plastic-free packaging products
Grocery stores must prioritise and incentivise plastic-free packaging options.
This could include offering products in bulk bins, using paper or compostable materials where appropriate, and encouraging suppliers to adopt sustainable packaging practices.
Genuine greenwashing rules and review committee
Implement rules for environmental claims that all products must follow, and establish a review committee to oversee product claims.
This ensures that sustainability claims are legitimate, reducing consumer skepticism and fostering trust.
Transparent supply chains
Providing information about the sourcing and packaging of products can help consumers make informed choices.
Highlighting brands that prioritise sustainable practices can further encourage responsible purchasing.
Advocate for policy change
As influential entities, grocery chains have the power to advocate for stricter regulations on plastic use and waste management.
By lobbying for government policies that promote sustainability, they can drive industry-wide change.
Plastic waste is a systems problem
The plastic waste crisis cannot be solved by household recycling and reusable shopping bags alone. Consumers play an important role, but supermarkets, manufacturers and governments ultimately shape the systems that determine how products are packaged, sold and disposed of. Reducing plastic waste requires action across the entire supply chain.
With bold action, collaboration and a commitment to long-term change, Australia can reduce plastic waste at its source and move towards a more sustainable future for people, wildlife and future generations.
But consumers still have power.
Every time we choose fresh produce over heavily packaged alternatives, support refill systems, bring reusable containers or choose products with less packaging, we send a signal about the kind of food system we want to see.
Change happens fastest when consumer demand and industry action work together. By supporting businesses that prioritise refill, reuse and low-waste solutions, we help create momentum for broader change across the entire supply chain.
What can you do today?
✓ Choose fresh produce over heavily packaged alternatives where possible
✓ Carry reusable shopping bags, produce bags and containers
✓ Support refill stores and refill stations in your community
✓ Choose products with minimal or plastic-free packaging
✓ Buy in bulk when it helps reduce packaging waste
✓ Support businesses that prioritise refill, reuse and low-waste systems
✓ Ask supermarkets and brands for less packaging and better refill options
✓ Participate in initiatives such as Plastic Free July to help build awareness and momentum for change
Together, we can turn the tide on plastic waste and foster a culture of mindful, minimal-waste living.
Ready to reduce plastic waste at home?
Explore reusable alternatives, refill-friendly products and simple swaps that help reduce everyday plastic waste.
Related reads
Plastic pollution statistics Australia
The facts and figures behind Australia’s plastic waste challenge.
Successful Plastic Free July tips
Simple strategies for reducing plastic waste without feeling overwhelmed.
Plastic free living FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about plastic-free swaps, packaging and everyday changes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is supermarket packaging such a problem?
Supermarket packaging is a problem because much of it is designed for short-term convenience. It enters homes quickly, is used briefly and is then sent to recycling, landfill or the environment.
Can plastic packaging be recycled?
Some plastic packaging can be recycled, but recycling systems have limitations. Not all plastics are accepted, not all accepted plastics are successfully processed, and current plastic packaging recycling rates remain far below Australia’s national targets.
What are refill systems?
Refill systems allow customers to reuse containers and buy products without new single-use packaging each time. They are commonly used for pantry staples, cleaning products, laundry liquids and personal care products.
Who is responsible for reducing plastic waste?
Consumers, manufacturers, retailers and governments all have a role to play. However, supermarkets and manufacturers have significant influence because they decide what packaging is used, what products are stocked and what low-waste options are made available.
What can supermarkets do to reduce plastic waste?
Supermarkets can reduce unnecessary packaging, expand refill stations, promote fresh whole foods, incentivise reusable containers, improve recycling programs, strengthen sustainability standards and support better packaging regulations.
