BIG W is phasing out soft reusable plastic shopping bags as part of its commitment to making a positive change for the planet.
Over the coming weeks, BIG W will run down stock of 15¢ and larger 45¢ reusable plastic shopping bags in stores nationwide, in a move expected to remove over 480 tonnes of plastic from circulation annually.
BIG W has already removed these bags from stores across Western Australia and, according to the retailer, customers have responded well to the change.
With many BIG W shoppers already in the habit of bringing their own bags when they shop, the retailer is continuing to encourage customers to use their own bags to reduce the environmental impact, rather than buying them in store. BIG W paper bags and reusable bag options will be available to those who need them.
BIG W, as part of Woolworths Group, also follows in the footsteps of Woolworths supermarkets, following the national phased removal of the supermarket’s 15¢ plastic bags earlier this year.
“At BIG W, we believe every small change can make a big difference and this is an exciting next step in our sustainability journey. Saying goodbye to plastic shopping bags will remove over 480 tonnes of plastic out of circulation annually, helping to create a better tomorrow for future generations,” says BIG W Managing Director Dan Hake.
“Since we stopped giving away single-use plastic bags in 2018, we’ve seen an incredible effort from our customers to change the way they shop for the better by bringing their own bags. We’d like to thank them for doing their bit for the environment and we’re looking forward to continuing to work together towards a more sustainable future.”