Woolworths Bricks: New sustainable collectibles made from 80 per cent recycled materials

Woolworths has announced its latest range of collectibles in the supermarket giant’s greener future. Be the first to see them.

Old fridges, swimming goggles and luggage handles are among items recycled to create Woolworths’ latest collectibles range – Woolworths Bricks.

The supermarket giant announced on Sunday customers will soon be able to collect one pack of Bricks with every $30 spent in store.

With a total of 40 Bricks – made from 80 per cent recycled materials – and separately purchased baseboards and front doors for an extra $6-$10, customers will be able to build a replica of a sustainable Woolworths Supermarket featuring solar panels, free fruit for kids baskets, checkout registers, car charging stations, trolleys and more.

Axel Gikas, 9, Alice Murphy, 6, Edward Lam, 9, test out Woolworths’ newest collectibles. Picture: Supplied

Woolworths chief marketing officer Andrew Hicks said the move to more sustainable collectibles was part of the supermarket giant’s commitment to a greener future.

“Woolworths Bricks is a fun and interactive way of learning that can spark conversations within families about sustainability; whether that’s how materials like plastic or refrigerators can be given a second life, or how solar panels and electric car chargers are making a positive impact on the environment at their local Woolies,” he said.

Good Environmental Choice Australia head of engagement and marketing Paula Clasby said Woolworths Bricks were certified under GECA’s Recycles Product standard.

“[This] means Woolworths are demonstrating their commitment to having a lower environmental, health, and social impact,” she said.

Woolworths Bricks give new life to recycled items such as old refrigerators and luggage handles. Picture: Supplied

“By certifying under an independent life cycle ecolabel, Woolworths have moved far beyond making self-declared claims for their new collectibles range.”

Positive Minds Australia director Madhavi Nawana Parker said the new collectibles concept would allow families and kids to draw upon STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and social skills such as problem solving, construction, planning ahead, perseverance and flexible thinking skills while learning more about sustainable practices.

“The underlying theme of my work at Positive Minds Australia is to help all children develop life skills and emotional intelligence through structured opportunities for play, social interaction and communication,” Parker said.

Woolworths Bricks are certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) and fully recyclable via TerraCycle. Picture: Supplied

“Collectibles like Woolworths Bricks have given many of my students opportunities to practice resilience and emotional regulation skills while they wait for their collections to unfold, while also learning the art of fair and kind trading and persistence.

“I encourage parents to use opportunities like this to gently and supportively help their children explore and practice skills like planning, waiting, handling disappointment and self-regulation.”

Woolworths’ partnership with TerraCycle ANZ will give customers the option to recycle their Bricks instore.

Customers will be able to build replica shopping aisles. Picture: Supplied

“Our first of its kind recycling program can use materials like preloved Woolworths Bricks to make new products for the community such as park benches and garden beds, supporting our mission to move from a linear economy to a circular one,” TerraCycle ANZ general manager Jean Bailliard said.

The collection will be made available in Woolworths supermarkets and Metro stores in the coming weeks.