IGA has launched a new partnership with The Great Unwaste campaign, making it the first Australian supermarket chain to bring food-waste reduction advice directly to its product packaging. The initiative, developed by End Food Waste Australia, will roll out across more than 1,300 independently owned IGA stores, with the aim of helping shoppers cut waste at home while saving money.
The program introduces the “Unwaste Me” stamp, which will appear on selected IGA private label products, including Black & Gold and Community Co ranges. The stamps are designed to be practical, offering quick tips and guidance on how to make the most of everyday pantry and fridge staples. Each product will also carry a QR code, directing customers to recipes and additional resources to further reduce waste in their kitchens.
Estella Young, Executive General Manager of Merchandise at Metcash/IGA, said the initiative was an opportunity for the supermarket network to drive change on a pressing national issue. “This represents an opportunity for us to help drive positive change when it comes to reducing food waste in Australia and helps our shoppers save by making the most of what’s in their fridge or pantry,” she said.
The scale of the problem is considerable. According to End Food Waste Australia, households waste nearly 2.5 million tonnes of food each year, costing families more than $2,500 annually. Tristan Butt, CEO of the organization, called the IGA partnership “a first for Australian supermarkets” and a crucial step toward addressing a challenge that affects both the environment and family budgets.
The campaign also taps into consumer demand. Research shows that 72 percent of Australians are eager to reduce food waste in their homes, signaling strong public support for initiatives that combine affordability with sustainability. With packaging updates set to expand across more IGA private label products in the coming months, the supermarket network is positioning itself at the forefront of retail efforts to align everyday shopping with sustainable living.
For the franchising and grocery industries, the rollout highlights a growing trend of retailers embedding social and environmental responsibility into their operations. By turning packaging into a tool for education and engagement, IGA is signaling a broader shift in how supermarkets can influence consumer habits while strengthening their own brand purpose.
