Coles steps up: Supermarket takes action on deforestation

Today, Coles has launched its long-awaited commitment to “no-deforestation” for key commodities in its 2025 sustainability report.

Coles outlines an “ambition to achieve no deforestation across material Coles Own Brand primary deforestation-linked commodities (no later than 31 December 2025)”. Leading environmental organisation, the Wilderness Society, says Coles’ no-deforestation commitment is a win for the organisation's supporters but it’s clear Coles still has more work to do.

Hannah Schuch, Queensland Campaigns Manager for Wilderness Society, said: “Today, Coles has made a promise when it comes to addressing deforestation in supermarket supply chains—and their report demonstrates considerable progress towards implementation. We welcome this new leadership from Coles. But now the rubber really hits the road. 

“There are some blind spots that we encourage Coles to address to bring their commitment into line with international best practice.  To ensure Coles is aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), it must concretely apply the internationally-recognised AFi definition of deforestation and broaden its commitment to include all products–including pallets used to transport groceries and its entire beef supply chain.  

“This is what’s necessary to concretely ensure the beef it buys and the pallets it uses are not driving the destruction of Australia’s unique forests and bushland” said Schuch. 

“Australia is a globally recognised deforestation hotspot but supermarkets can play a key role in turning the tide. Coles’ deforestation-free commitment comes weeks after NSW and QLD’s State-wide Land Clearing Studies (SLATS) confirmed agriculture was the number one driver of deforestation in the two states, while forests in NSW are still logged to make pallets used for transporting groceries.

“Every day, unique forests and bushland—homes for greater gliders and koalas—are destroyed to make products that could end up in supermarkets, including beef and timber pallets,” said Schuch.

“Coles has promised to report on its implementation efforts within six months of 31 December 2025. We’ll continue calling on the supermarket to take solid steps to realise its no-deforestation commitment in a way that will materially help to protect Australia’s forests and bushland and the species that call them home.” said Schuch.