In a bid to reduce plastic waste, Woolworths has begun to phase out its 15-cent reusable plastic shopping bags in three more states as part of its initiative to eliminate the use of these bags by June.
Over the coming weeks, the supermarket will gradually run down the supply of shopping bags across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania – a move that aims to reduce an estimated 9000 tonnes of plastic waste from circulation annually.
Jeanette Fenske, director of stores at Woolworths Supermarkets, highlighted that the majority (eight out of 10) of their customers already bring their own bags when shopping, and the initiative aims to encourage more shoppers to do so.
The company has already discontinued the 15-cent plastic shopping bags from its stores across ACT, WA, NT, QLD, and SA.
“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,” said Fenske.
However, paper shopping bags will remain available for use.
The company said its paper bags are recyclable via kerbside, can carry up to 6kg of groceries, are made from at least 70 per cent recycled material and are sourced responsibly with FSC or PEFC certifications.
To prepare customers for the upcoming change, the supermarket said it would provide advanced notice and reminders through email and in in-store and car park signage.
“Bringing your own bags is the best outcome for the environment, and we encourage our customers to keep up the great work,” added Fenske.
“Paper bags will continue to be available for those who forget to bring their own – but ultimately, we want to sell fewer bags altogether.”
Last year, Woolworths removed single-use plastic cutlery, cups, bowls and plates from its range nationwide, eliminating nearly 2.1 million kilograms of plastic from circulation each year.
