Woolworths is phasing out its 15¢ plastic shopping bags in Western Australia over the next month. This is ahead of new state legislation banning a variety of plastic shopping bags from July this year.
Over the coming weeks, Woolworths stores across WA will gradually run down stock of its reusable plastic bags. The retailer’s Australian-made paper shopping bags are set to become the entry option for those customers who haven’t brought their own bags to the store, as well as online orders.
Woolworths was the first national supermarket to remove single use plastic shopping bags in 2018. It introduced its 15¢ reusable plastic shopping bags, followed by the addition of a paper shopping bag to Woolworths’ range in 2020.
Woolworths State General Manager for WA Karl Weber says over the next month, the retailer will be gradually phasing out plastic shopping bags from its stores and online orders across WA, as it moves to support the WA government’s upcoming plastic bag ban.
“This change will see more than 30 million plastic bags removed from circulation in WA every year, which is a big win for the health of our oceans and waterways,” he says.
“While our paper bags will continue to be available, the most sustainable bag you can use is the reusable one you bring from home.
“The vast majority of our customers already bring their own reusable bags to shop, which is the very best outcome for the environment, and we encourage customers to keep up the great work.
“We know the change brought about by this new WA legislation may be an adjustment for some customers and we thank them in advance for their support as we all work together to grow greener.”
Bag options
While Woolworths encourages shoppers to bring their own reusable bags, customers can choose from three carry bag options in-store:
- 20¢ Australian-made paper bag
- Woolworths’ Bag for Good
- Foldable fabric bags
Commenting on its paper bag option, Woolworths says it invested in a multi-million-dollar partnership with family-owned Australian manufacturer Detpak to increase local paper bag manufacturing capacity.
The paper bag is designed to be reused and can carry up to 6kg of groceries. All paper used is “sourced responsibly” and is certified by PEFC.
Spreading the message
Woolworths will be communicating the change to Western Australian customers through:
- In-store signage and radio
- Catalogue
- Customer emails
- Print advertising
