Seattle, WA – Costco customers in the United States are expressing dissatisfaction with the retailer’s recent decision to change the packaging of its popular rotisserie chickens. Previously, the chickens were sold in plastic “clamshell” containers, but now they are being packaged in plastic food service bags. The shift, aimed at being more environmentally friendly, has sparked outrage among loyal consumers.
The packaging switch, which began in March 2024, is part of Costco’s efforts to save millions of pounds of plastic each year. According to the June 2024 edition of the Costco Connections magazine, the new packaging is expected to save an estimated 17 million pounds of plastic annually in the U.S. It will also result in a reduction of over 4,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year due to the use of fewer transportation vehicles.
While Costco touts the benefits of the new packaging, many customers have taken to social media to express their disappointment. Users have complained about the leakiness of the bags, the lack of durability for storing leftovers, and the inability to select quality chickens due to the new packaging.
On platforms like Reddit and X, consumers have voiced concerns about the new bags not being recyclable in their cities, unlike the previous rigid clamshell containers. Some feel that the packaging change represents a step backward in sustainability efforts, as most of the bags may end up in landfills instead of being recycled.
Costco’s rotisserie chicken, a staple item priced at $4.99 in all warehouse locations for decades, has long been a crowd favorite. In a statement in January 2024, Costco CEO Ron Vachris revealed that the company sold 137 million rotisserie chickens in 2023, indicating a significant increase in sales compared to previous years.
As Costco faces backlash over the packaging change, the discussion among customers continues to evolve online, with some questioning the long-term environmental impact of the new plastic bags. Despite the controversy, Costco remains a go-to destination for many consumers seeking quality and affordable products.