Woolworths stores in South Australia and the Northern Territory will phase out 15 cent reusable plastic shopping bags by the end of the month across in-store and online purchases.
Following the gradual phase out of the bags in SA and NT this month, Woolworths will continue its transition away from reusable plastic shopping bags state-by-state, committing to removing the bags entirely from its network nationwide by end of June 2023.
Stores in Western Australia have already removed these bags from sale in response to state legislation earlier this year.
Eight in every 10 Woolworths customers already bring their own bags when they shop, and the retailer is continuing to encourage customers to bring their own bags to boost sustainability, rather than buying them in-store.
Woolworths’ paper bags, which are made from at least 70 per cent recycled paper, will remain available to those who need them. But Woolworths Assistant State General Manager for SA, Elisha Moore, said the idea is to ultimately encourage shoppers to bring their own bags whenever they shop.
“We’re continuing to grow greener in South Australia as we phase out reusable plastic shopping bags from our stores and online orders over the next month.
“We’re proud to be the first major supermarket to commit to removing reusable plastic shopping bags nationwide by June next year and this change in South Australia is the beginning of an important shift to more sustainable grocery shopping across the country.
“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.”
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