Woolworths became the first Australian grocery store to make the promise on Friday, guaranteeing that a regular trip to the local supermarket “is having less of an impact on the environment”.
Woolworths has announced that it will stop selling its 15-cent reusable plastic bags nationwide in a phase-out over the next year.
The supermarket giant became the first Australian grocery store on Friday to commit to permanently abandoning plastic bags.
In a statement, Woolworths Group confirmed that 15-cent plastic shopping bags will disappear from more than 1,000 supermarkets across the country in June 2023.
The subsidiary BIG W will also conclude the sale of reusable plastic bags of 15 and 45 cents in the same period of time.
The retailer will introduce additional bag options to complement its existing line of fabric bags and printed bags.
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Woolworths says eight out of 10 customers already carry their bags for groceries and continues to encourage all shoppers to do so to “boost sustainability”.
Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Natalie Davis said reusable plastic bags were first introduced in 2018 to help customers “adapt” to the disposal of disposable plastic bags. .
“We’ve seen a big change in shopping habits since we stopped handing out disposable plastic bags, with eight out of ten customers now carrying their own bags home,” he said.
“Reusable plastic bags have played a role and now is the time to permanently eliminate the sale of plastic bags in our boxes.
“Carrying your own bags is the best result for the environment, and we encourage our customers to keep up the great work.”
Paper bags will continue to be available to shoppers who forget to bring their own bags, but the supermarket giant “finally” wants to sell fewer bags.
“Customers expect us to lead sustainability, and that’s one of the ways we’re growing greener by reducing plastic and making sure regular travel to Woolworths or local BIG W has less impact on the environment,” he said. Mrs. Davis.
“We know that change can be an adjustment for some customers and that’s why we’re gradually introducing this change over the next year. We’d like to thank customers in advance for their support as we all work together to create a tomorrow. better “.
Woolworths stores in Western Australia began removing bags in March ahead of new local plastic laws in the state.
No other state is currently subject to laws on the sale of thicker reusable plastic bags.
South Australia and the Northern Territory will be the next to start the transition, which will begin in September. Then the rest of Australia will follow.
Customers will be reminded of changes in advance by email and through in-store advertising and signs.
Plastic bags for carrying fruit and vegetables will continue to be available to customers in the produce department, but Woolworths is working “to explore more sustainable options.”