Coles donates the equivalent of 39.8 million meals to people in need last financial year

August 29, 2024 -- In a bid to support the growing number of Australians experiencing with food insecurity, Coles donated 20 million kilograms of food, or the equivalent of 39.8 million meals1, to people in need in FY24, as outlined in the Group’s latest Sustainability Report released this week.

Coles is also on track to achieve its 100% renewable electricity target by June next year, with electricity generated by renewables including wind and solar accounting for 45% of the retailer’s total grid electricity consumption last financial year2, and solar panels now installed on 100 supermarkets, liquor stores and distribution centres nationally,

Other major sustainability highlights from last financial year featured in the report include:

• Awarded $3.7 million to Aussie producers to help them drive sustainability and innovation as part of the Coles Nurture Fund, which to date has provided more than $36 million to 107 businesses since 2015.
• Increased the percentage of Coles Own Brand packaging that is recyclable to 87.4%, including the release of mandarins and grapes in paper bag packaging3.
• 5% of women in leadership roles females, against a target of 40%4.
• Removed 500 million pieces of plastic from Coles Own Brand packaging since 2021- the equivalent weight of 3,600 cars5.
• Increased the percentage of team members who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander to 3.6%6, up from 3.5% last financial year, as Coles announced its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Contributed $38.5 million in community support to promote health outcomes and build resilience in communities7.
• Reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 34.5% since FY208.
• Diverted 86.7% of waste from landfill, achieving the target of 85% one year ahead of schedule9.

Coles Chief Operations and Sustainability Manager Matt Swindells said he was proud of what the Group had achieved over the year and called out its collaborative approach as key to its results.

“Coles isn’t alone in facing significant environmental and social issues, and our approach is to work collectively with our team members, suppliers and partners to drive more sustainable outcomes,” said Matt.

“We’re proud to have more women in leadership positions than ever before, and a pay parity gap of less than 1%. These examples are testament to how we’re working hard to make Coles an inclusive workplace where all team members can come to work and feel respected and valued.

“We recognise times are tough for many Aussies at the moment, and to be able to donate the equivalent of 39.8 million meals to vulnerable Australians last financial year is a key achievement for us.”

“Looking ahead we’re going to continue to integrate sustainability into our business and work in lockstep with our suppliers and other partners to improve environmental and social outcomes. We’re also developing a Climate Transition Plan that will bring together our longer-term targets to reduce emissions, address nature-related impacts and drive circularity, and ultimately create a more sustainable future.”

Read the report in full here

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Coles Media Line (03) 9829 5250 or [email protected] or [email protected]

1 In addition to unsold edible food, the figure also includes bulk food and grocery donations to SecondBite and Foodbank. 9. Based on packaging data overlayed with unit sales over a 52-week period until June 2024.

2 Renewable electricity % includes voluntary Large-scale generation certificate (LGC) surrenders, Renewable power percentage (RPP), Jurisdictional renewable power percentage (JRPP) and onsite solar within Coles' operational control.

3 Based on packaging data overlayed with unit sales over a 52-week period until June 2024.

4 Leadership positions are composed of the Executive Leadership Team, general managers, team members pay grade eight and above and supermarket store managers. Pay grade eight and above includes middle managers and is applied to specialist roles.

5 Based on the average weight of popular vehicle types spanning the Australian new car market What's the average weight of a car? - Car Advice | CarsGuide

6 Based on results of our May 2024 mysay team member engagement survey, which was responded to by 71% of team members.

7 Includes Coles’ direct contributions of cash, products, time and management costs as well as fundraising from customers, suppliers and team members (leverage). In-kind donations to SecondBite and Foodbank, valued at $158m, is not included in this number. Coles’ community support is verified by the Business for Societal Impact (B4SI) framework.

8 Achievement of our current FY30 Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction target is not reliant on the use of carbon offsets.

9 Excludes liquid waste except high-strength sludges (which contain a high proportion of solids) and liquids diverted for use as food (such as donations to SecondBite and farmers).

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