Woolworths stores in Queensland and the ACT have begun to phase out their 15¢ reusable plastic shopping bags.
Over the coming weeks, the supermarket will gradually run down stock of the 15¢ reusable plastic shopping bags across the stores. As part of a gradual phase out across the nation, the bags have already been phased out in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Eight in every 10 Woolworths customers are said to already bring their own bags when they shop. Woolworths is continuing to encourage customers to bring their own bags, rather than buying them in store. The retailer’s paper bags and other reusable bags will remain available to those who need them.
Commenting on the initiative in Queensland, Woolworths State General Manager for Queensland Danny Baldwin says: “We’re continuing to grow greener in Queensland as we phase out the 15¢ plastic shopping bags from our stores.
“We’re proud to be the first major supermarket to commit to removing plastic shopping bags from our stores nationwide, and this change is an important step towards more sustainable grocery shopping for Queenslanders.
“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 know it may be an adjustment for some customers and we thank them in advance for their support as we all work together to create a better tomorrow.”
Following the gradual phase out of the bag in Queensland and ACT stores, Woolworths will continue its transition away from the 15¢ reusable plastic shopping bags, committing to remove the bags entirely from all stores nationwide by the end of June this year.
In Queensland, the same bags will be removed as an option for online orders later this year, with paper bags becoming the new default option.