New Zealand-based supermarket chain Countdown has removed single-use plastic straws from its stores to help reduce plastic pollution.

The move is expected to remove 11.6 million plastic straws from circulation per year. The retailer will replace the plastic with more sustainable materials such as bamboo, metal and paper.

In June this year, Countdown unveiled its plans to phase out single-use plastic bags. The company intends to remove as much unnecessary plastic as possible from its stores.

“Like other plastic and packaging, straws can have a disastrous impact on the marine environment if they end up there.”

Countdown corporate affairs and sustainability general manager Kiri Hannifin said: “Like other plastic and packaging, straws can have a disastrous impact on the marine environment if they end up there.

“One of the best ways we can reduce that impact is by moving away from selling products that are used once and then thrown away, and by making more reusable and recyclable options available.

“We’re continuing to look at where we can make changes in our own brands and are also working with our supplies to see where changes in their packaging may be possible.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The retailer set a target of using reusable, recyclable or compostable own-brand packaging by 2025.