What if one of the most common items in your trolley could help reduce landfill waste, support local jobs, and protect the environment — all without costing you a cent more? That’s exactly what Shoprite’s new 7kg recyclable potato bag is doing.
A Greener Way to Shop
Say goodbye to potato bags that pile up in landfills. For decades, traditional potato packaging has been impossible to recycle locally — sending an estimated 18,600 tons of waste to South African landfills every year. But now, thanks to a smart in-house innovation, Shoprite has launched a fully recyclable alternative that makes it easier than ever to shop sustainably.
From May 2025, you’ll find these new bags on shelves at over 1,400 Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave stores nationwide. And the best part? There’s no change in cost or convenience — just a cleaner conscience.
How Local Innovation is Solving Global Problems
The breakthrough comes from five Shoprite employees participating in a leadership programme with the Gordon Institute of Business Science. Tasked with reimagining a greener potato bag, they worked with international paper experts to create a home-grown solution that meets South Africa’s recycling capabilities — no expensive new infrastructure needed.
This small switch could have a big ripple effect: if adopted industry-wide, the recyclable bag could generate over R22 million in income for informal waste pickers and drastically cut packaging waste.
Why This Matters to You
Sustainability often feels out of reach, but this innovation proves otherwise. A simple grocery choice now supports the environment, uplifts communities, and backs local innovation — all while keeping your potatoes fresh.
So next time you’re stocking up, remember: your small choice is helping shape a cleaner, more conscious South Africa.
