This article first appeared on Convenience & Impulse Retailing, authored by Tom Oakley-Newell

Woolworths has begun to phase out its 15-cent reusable plastic shopping bags across NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania.

The bags have already been removed from stores across ACT, NT, SA, QLD, and WA. Customers who need a bag will still have access to paper and other reusable bags.

Jeanette Fenske, Director of Stores at Woolworths, said having reusable bags on hand has become second nature for many shoppers, and that customers have embraced the change.

“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’re proud to be the first major supermarket to commit to removing these plastic shopping bags from our stores, and this change is an important step towards more sustainable grocery shopping across the country.”

The paper bags that will continue to be available are made from at least 70 per cent recycled paper, can be reused, can carry up to six kilograms of groceries and can be recycled through kerbside recycling.

Woolworths will help customers prepare for the change through providing notices and reminders via email, as well as signs in-store and car parks.