Woolworths stores in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania have begun to phase out their 15-cent reusable plastic shopping bags, the retail giant announced today.
Over the coming weeks, the supermarket will gradually run down stock of the 15-cent reusable plastic shopping bags across the three states.
Woolworths says eight in every 10 customers already bring their own bags when they shop, and the retailer is continuing to encourage customers to bring their own bags to boost sustainability, rather than buying them in store. Woolworths’ paper bags and other reusable bags will remain available to those who need them, Woolworths Group said in a statement.
Woolworths has already removed the bags from stores across ACT, NT, SA, QLD and WA over the last 12 months, saying customers are responding well to the change.
“We’re excited to have Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania complete our national journey to remove the 15-cent plastic shopping bag from all our stores nationwide,” said Woolworths Supermarkets Director of Stores, Jeanette Fenske.
“Having reusable bags on hand has become second nature for many shoppers, and so far we have seen our customers embrace this change with their usual eagerness to do good for the environment.
“Bringing your own bags is the very best outcome for the environment, and we encourage our customers to keep up the great work. Paper bags will continue to be available for those who forget to bring their own – but ultimately we want to sell less bags altogether.
“We’re proud to be the first major supermarket to commit to removing these plastic shopping bags from our stores, and this change is an important step towards more sustainable grocery shopping across the country.“
Woolworths was the first major national supermarket to remove single-use plastic bags from stores in 2018, introducing the 15-cent plastic shopping bag to help customers adjust to the change.
The paper shopping bag that will continue to be available to customers, Woolworths said. The paper bags are made from at least 70% recycled paper and sourced responsibly with FSC or PEFC certifications to support sustainable forest management.
