This article first appeared in Convenience and Impulse Retailing, authored by Tom Oakley-Newell

Coles has announced it will phase out soft-plastic shopping bags both in-store and online by the end of June 2023.

The remaining supply of soft-plastic bags will be run down before Coles stops the sale completely, a move that will see 230 million plastic bags removed from circulation in one year.

Matt Swindells, chief operations and sustainability officer at Coles Group, said the most sustainable option is for customers to bring their own bag, however they will continue to sell 100 per cent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside.

“The 100 per cent recycled paper bags have been tested for use and we’re confident they can hold up to 6 kilos of goods. That includes everything you need to make spaghetti Bolognese or a family roast,” he said.

Still available at Coles will be reusable fresh produce bags made from 90 per cent recycled material and in everywhere but the ACT, bags made from 50 per cent recycled plastic are available in the fresh produce department.

The recycled paper bags are available for purchase for $0.25 and are being used for home delivery and Click&Collect orders, although customers will have a bag-free option.