Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi have teamed up with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water. Together, they are launching a new soft plastics recycling trial. This will take place in 12 stores across Melbourne. It’s an important step after the recycling sector faced many challenges since November 2022.

About REDcycle

REDcycle was Australia’s national soft plastics recycling program. It started in 2011. At its peak, it ran in over 2,000 Coles and Woolworths stores, plus some Aldi stores. It gave customers a simple way to recycle soft plastics.

But handling around 5 million items daily was too much. REDcycle stopped operating in November 2022. Since then, people have been waiting for new solutions.

What Is the 2024 Trial?

This trial is more than just collecting waste. It checks if the recycling system can sort, weigh, and process soft plastics properly.

Partners in the trial must report what materials they get and what products they make. Officials will inspect and audit the sites to ensure quality.

The results will be shared with the environment department and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). This will help build a strong, nationwide recycling system.

Our Thoughts as a former REDcycle Partner

We’re part of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and used to work with REDcycle. We’re excited about this new trial.

There are still challenges, like the need for more recycling facilities. But this trial is an important first step for a better soft plastics recycling system in Australia.

At RollsPack, we focus on innovation and sustainability. We will keep supporting projects like this one to help create a cleaner, greener future.