Australia trials cardboard packs for Perino tomatoes

Costa Group, one of Australia's largest fresh produce growers, has partnered with Coles and packaging manufacturer Opal to trial recyclable cardboard packaging for Perino® tomatoes. The trial, which began in Coles' Victorian stores, replaces the existing 80% rPET punnets with packaging made from recycled paper.

The initiative forms part of efforts to reduce reliance on plastic in the fresh produce sector and aligns with Coles' targets to improve packaging recyclability. According to Costa, the trial is expected to provide data on packaging performance, product quality, consumer response, and supply chain integration. If successful, it could lead to a broader rollout across Australia.

Costa's Chief Operating Officer for Domestic Produce, Manpreet Sidhu, said the trial represents an important step in the company's move towards meeting national packaging targets.

Coles' General Manager Sustainability, Brooke Donnelly, said the retailer aims to reduce plastic use while maintaining product quality. "We know Perino® tomatoes are a household favourite for many of our customers, and this trial is a meaningful step in reducing plastic in our stores whilst ensuring our customers who love to eat Perino tomatoes can still enjoy them at the highest quality," she said.

Opal's General Manager – Corporate Business, David Pointer, noted that the cardboard punnets were developed to be lightweight and robust enough to protect produce through supply chains while remaining recyclable.

The trial reflects the growing focus on alternative packaging formats in the fresh produce industry as part of wider sustainability objectives.