Sustainability Snapshot: Key Updates for our Trade Partners
At Woolworths, we know that driving meaningful change requires strong collaboration. Through our 2030 Sustainability Plan: Impact that matters, we are focusing on high-impact areas where we can collectively make a difference. Today, we are sharing two major sustainability updates that directly impact our strategies and showcase the power of industry partnership: a refreshed definition for “Healthier” products, and the triumphant return of Soft Plastics Recycling to our stores.
Redefining ‘Healthier’ Products
To support our goal of sustaining an >80% share of healthier products in customer baskets, Woolworths Group is moving to a single, refreshed definition for “Healthier” products. This change aligns our messaging with Government Dietary Guidelines and makes it easier for customers to choose nutritious options.
What’s changing?
Under the new definition, ‘healthier’ includes:
“All nutritious products as defined by Australian and New Zealand Dietary Guidelines, and all discretionary products that achieve a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or above”
We have removed previous variations (such as the ≥ 4 HSR requirement for kids’ products and promotions) and replaced them with a single, streamlined standard.
Why this matters for you
- Consistency: A single, consistent ≥3.5 HSR threshold now applies across the board, simplifying your promotional planning.
- Increased eligibility: A wider range of nutritious products across broader categories – including Juices, Dried Fruit, and Dairy Foods – are now eligible for healthier promotional activities.
Next steps
We encourage you to review your product portfolio against this updated definition. Please reach out to your Category Manager to discuss how your eligible products can take part in upcoming healthier promotional activities.
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our customers live healthier lives.
;)
Soft Plastics Recycling available in 700 stores
We are delighted to share that soft plastics recycling has officially returned to more than 700 Woolworths stores across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, the ACT, and South Australia. This provides families with a convenient way to reduce household waste during their weekly shop.
Supporting the establishment of a more resilient soft plastics recycling industry
Rebuilding a resilient soft plastics recycling industry required genuine collaboration. Woolworths, together with Mars, Nestlé, McCormick Foods, and other major brands, worked to support the creation of Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA), the industry body now leading this systemic change.
SPSA CEO Barry Cosier notes that we need more brands and retailers to join the initiative, which will result in collections expanding even further, boosting participation nationwide.
Circularity in action
Since the initial trial launched in early 2024, approximately 40 million pieces of soft plastic have been collected and given a second life by being converted into products by Australian recyclers saveBOARD, iQRenew, and Plascrete. This includes:
- Store wall panelling and benches.
- High performance concrete aggregate.
This is circularity in action, demonstrating what is possible when retailers, brands, and recyclers move forward together.
Customers can now drop off clean, dry soft plastics featuring the Australasian Recycling Label ‘Check Locally’ at collection points located at the front of participating stores.
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