Change to hit Coles shelves with single-use plastic dinnerware removed from stores

A change is coming to all Coles stores on Thursday with shoppers searching for a popular product to be out of luck, for good reason.

Shoppers searching for a collection of common products at their local Coles will be out of luck from Thursday.

Single-use plastic tableware has been stripped from the shelves at more than 2500 stores across the country in a bid to reduce the supermarket giant’s contribution to landfill.

Coles made the commitment in February, including a ban on single-use plastic tableware such as cups, plates, bowls, straws and cutlery in any of its stores from July 1.

Plastic dinnerware will be stripped from the shelves. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dan Peled

Plastic products will be swapped out for timber cutlery, paper plates and reusable options.

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley lauded Coles on making the switch.

“It is pleasing to see this initiative from Coles, which reflects the Morrison government’s commitments to increase plastic recycling, find alternatives to unnecessary plastics and reduce the impact of plastic on the environment,” she said.

The change will result in the diversion of 1.5 million kilograms worth of single-use plastic from landfill each year.

Plastic cutlery will be replaced with sustainable alternatives.

“We understand our responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and to show leadership in protecting our planet and climate,” Coles chief executive officer Steven Cain said.

“We have identified powerful initiatives across how we use energy, how we can move towards a circular economy, as well as how we will continue to improve our sustainable sourcing.”

The company announced several environmental targets in March, including a commitment to 100 per cent renewable electricity by the end of 2025.