A Dubbo baker who sells bread in paper bags hopes a major supermarket's controversial use of plastic packaging encourages consumers to choose a "real bakery and local farmers markets" instead.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Benny's Bagels and Bakery founder Ben Kirkness labelled Coles's decision to sell single hot cross buns in plastic cartons as "fairly unsurprising" and based on the "profitability and longevity of their product".
The supermarket giant defended its actions in the wake of criticism on social media as one that gave customers choice, and offered assurances the packaging was "recyclable in kerbside recycling bins".
Mr Kirkness returned to baking in his spare time in recent years, while still working as an independent IT professional Monday to Friday.
He started Benny's Bagels and Bakery and has become a regular at farmers' markets, selling his hand-crafted goods direct to customers.
On Sunday the stall offered free mini hot cross buns to children at the Dubbo Rotunda Markets.
Mr Kirkness offered insight into the industry and advice for consumers.
"It's a fairly unsurprising move from Coles based on profitability and longevity of their product," he said.
"That's always going to be their driving motivation.
"Hopefully it will encourage their customers to shop at an actual real bakery and local farmers' markets rather than a shelf at the supermarket.
Bread is best when simply packaged in paper, and sold fresh the same day it is baked.
- Benny's Bagels and Bakery founder Ben Kirkness
"Bread is best when simply packaged in paper, and sold fresh the same day it is baked."
Climate action group 1 Million Women reposted a photo of single hot cross buns at Coles packed in plastic containers earlier this month, saying it was bringing back its Leave It On The Shelf campaign.
"We're pledging to leave plastic-packaged fruit and veg on the shelf to show supermarkets that this sort of thing is unacceptable," it said in the post to social media.
Coles defended its actions in response to the outrage vented on social media.
"We have placed the single buns in the recyclable packaging so that we can give customers the option of buying a single hot cross bun," a spokesperson said.
"The recyclable packaging keeps them fresh in stores where we don't have single item display units where customers can pick them up using tongs.
"The packaging shown is recyclable in kerbside recycling bins.
"While this is not how our hot cross buns are generally packaged, to offer convenience a small number of stores have packed buns in this way.
"We are constantly reviewing our packaging to make it more environmentally friendly."
IT professional's sideline on the rise
During the small hours of the night, independent IT professional Ben Kirkness is in his workplace - not behind a computer, but in the kitchen.
The Dubbo man's regular job is providing computer training and support and developing websites.
But in his spare time he's revived his earlier career as a baker.
He's now a regular on the markets circuit at Dubbo and Orange, as well as supplying local cafes.
Mr Kirkness has found a sense of fulfillment in starting Benny's Bagels and Bakery.
"The greatest thing about the baking is that it is a completely creative process with endless possibilities and variation and it makes people happy," he said.
From his oven he turns out tasty treats.
"It's easy to fit in if you're happy to forgo sleeping," he said.