For each kilogram of blueberries sold in Australian supermarkets, approximately eight plastic punnets are used. With the average Australian consuming about 700 grams of blueberries annually, the accumulation of plastic waste is evident. In response, blueberry farmers in southern Western Australia have transitioned to compostable cardboard punnets to mitigate plastic waste.
After residing in England for six years, Jonathon and Sophie Macri observed the difficulty of avoiding plastic in Australia compared to the UK and Europe. Disappointed by the lack of plastic-free options, they collaborated with a Queensland packaging company to develop a compostable, recyclable punnet design. "We've seen the options just everywhere on the shelves [in the UK and Europe] and then, coming back to Australia, we realized the options were not there," Mr. Macri stated. Their initiative aims to reduce single-use plastic and encourage others to adopt similar practices.
Berries Australia data indicates that 43% of Australian households purchased blueberries, averaging 183 grams per purchase in the 2023/24 financial year. A report by Boomerang Alliance, released in November 2024, highlighted the insufficient options for avoiding plastic packaging and the overemphasis on recycling rather than eliminating plastic use.
The cardboard punnets, slightly more costly than standard plastic ones, are absorbed by the Macris rather than passed to consumers. "It is really just a matter of a few cents [more] actually," Sophie Macri mentioned, emphasizing their ethical commitment to reducing plastic use. This marks the second season of selling blueberries in cardboard punnets, receiving positive consumer feedback. "We genuinely have only had good feedback and [we're hearing] this is actually what people want and they want to have the choice not to buy plastic," she added.
In contrast, larger operations like Mountain Blue in New South Wales face challenges in adapting new packaging materials to existing automated packing lines. Their trial of a fully recyclable punnet design received positive consumer feedback. "We are looking into doing another east coast trial," said Melissa Gow, Mountain Blue's brand and communications manager. The company aims for recyclability and biodegradability, exceeding current retailer demands.
Coles and Woolworths have also recognized the importance of sustainable packaging. Coles supports industry goals for "100 per cent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging," while Woolworths focuses on reducing plastic and promoting recycling.
Source: ABC News