Outrage sparks as Coles supermarket changes shopping bags to half size!

Coles has landed itself in hot water with customers after trialling smaller paper shopping bags.

The move is part of Coles' shift away from single-use plastics, but has many shoppers feeling short-changed.


Earlier this year, Coles announced plans to replace their 15c soft plastic bags with 25c paper bags in all stores. Coles’ online customers are now being charged a flat rate of $1.50 for using the new ones.

More recently, the supermarket giant confirmed that it’s trialling a new paper bag size for home delivery orders, leading to displeasure amongst some shoppers.

An image circulating on social media shows that the new paper bags are about half the height of the original paper bags.

It is understood that if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.


Screenshot 2023-12-12 105823.png
Coles have trialled a newly-sized paper bag for online shoppers. Image: Facebook


According to a Coles spokesperson, they are testing the new paper bags in select stores after garnering feedback from staff.

'We are currently trialling a new paper bag for online orders in 48 stores across South Australia. The decision follows feedback from our team members who said a shorter bag made packing the orders easier,’ they said.

‘All of our paper bags have undergone rigorous independent testing and found to safely hold up to six kilos of groceries and can be reused multiple times.'


Despite the changes in the size of paper bags in online orders in trial stores, no changes have been made to the bags customers purchase in-store nationally.

However, some shoppers have expressed their dismay over the paper bag’s size change.

'Hey Coles, your new half-sized paper bags are ridiculous, especially for your delivery service. Pull ya heads in,' said one outraged shopper.

'Coles, what is with these smaller bags?' said another.


Meanwhile, Coles said that they’ve been ‘impressed’ with the response from using plastic bags to paper bags.

'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Since we announced our decision to phase out soft plastic bags in May, we have been impressed by our customers’ response to the paper bags and thank them for their willingness to adapt and support this important change that will see 230 million plastic bags removed from circulation in 1 year.'

After Coles announced the phase out of soft plastic bags, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells said: ‘The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 per cent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options.’


If you prefer to shop in-store, don’t worry—paper bags in stores are still the same size as they have been. And, of course, those familiar reusable tote bags are still available for your convenience, retailing for $1.00 for the smaller size and $2.50 for the larger bag. A chiller bag is also available for $2.50.

Key Takeaways
  • Coles supermarket customers have reacted negatively to a change in the store's paper shopping bags, which are now smaller and shorter.
  • The change is being trialled in 48 stores for home delivery orders after feedback from staff claimed shorter bags made packing easier.
  • Despite complaints, a Coles spokesperson defended the switch, stating the bags have been tested to safely hold up to six kilos, can be reused, and fit more easily into crates used for Coles Online orders.
  • It’s understood if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.

What do you think of this story? Have you acquired some of Coles’ newly-sized paper bags? Let us know in the comments below!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy and PattiB
Sponsored
Coles has landed itself in hot water with customers after trialling smaller paper shopping bags.

The move is part of Coles' shift away from single-use plastics, but has many shoppers feeling short-changed.


Earlier this year, Coles announced plans to replace their 15c soft plastic bags with 25c paper bags in all stores. Coles’ online customers are now being charged a flat rate of $1.50 for using the new ones.

More recently, the supermarket giant confirmed that it’s trialling a new paper bag size for home delivery orders, leading to displeasure amongst some shoppers.

An image circulating on social media shows that the new paper bags are about half the height of the original paper bags.

It is understood that if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.


View attachment 37408
Coles have trialled a newly-sized paper bag for online shoppers. Image: Facebook


According to a Coles spokesperson, they are testing the new paper bags in select stores after garnering feedback from staff.

'We are currently trialling a new paper bag for online orders in 48 stores across South Australia. The decision follows feedback from our team members who said a shorter bag made packing the orders easier,’ they said.

‘All of our paper bags have undergone rigorous independent testing and found to safely hold up to six kilos of groceries and can be reused multiple times.'


Despite the changes in the size of paper bags in online orders in trial stores, no changes have been made to the bags customers purchase in-store nationally.

However, some shoppers have expressed their dismay over the paper bag’s size change.

'Hey Coles, your new half-sized paper bags are ridiculous, especially for your delivery service. Pull ya heads in,' said one outraged shopper.

'Coles, what is with these smaller bags?' said another.


Meanwhile, Coles said that they’ve been ‘impressed’ with the response from using plastic bags to paper bags.

'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Since we announced our decision to phase out soft plastic bags in May, we have been impressed by our customers’ response to the paper bags and thank them for their willingness to adapt and support this important change that will see 230 million plastic bags removed from circulation in 1 year.'

After Coles announced the phase out of soft plastic bags, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells said: ‘The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 per cent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options.’


If you prefer to shop in-store, don’t worry—paper bags in stores are still the same size as they have been. And, of course, those familiar reusable tote bags are still available for your convenience, retailing for $1.00 for the smaller size and $2.50 for the larger bag. A chiller bag is also available for $2.50.

Key Takeaways

  • Coles supermarket customers have reacted negatively to a change in the store's paper shopping bags, which are now smaller and shorter.
  • The change is being trialled in 48 stores for home delivery orders after feedback from staff claimed shorter bags made packing easier.
  • Despite complaints, a Coles spokesperson defended the switch, stating the bags have been tested to safely hold up to six kilos, can be reused, and fit more easily into crates used for Coles Online orders.
  • It’s understood if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.

What do you think of this story? Have you acquired some of Coles’ newly-sized paper bags? Let us know in the comments below!
when are the stupidmarkets going to wake up and put back the NORMAL plastic carry bags. These have many uses . These bags are now replaced with PLASTIC bags of many more sizes, many of which are useless and paper ones that fall apart at first blink. We need to shut up the street marching fools and teach them the real facts of life and show them what the scientists have really learned from past history.
 
Coles has landed itself in hot water with customers after trialling smaller paper shopping bags.

The move is part of Coles' shift away from single-use plastics, but has many shoppers feeling short-changed.


Earlier this year, Coles announced plans to replace their 15c soft plastic bags with 25c paper bags in all stores. Coles’ online customers are now being charged a flat rate of $1.50 for using the new ones.

More recently, the supermarket giant confirmed that it’s trialling a new paper bag size for home delivery orders, leading to displeasure amongst some shoppers.

An image circulating on social media shows that the new paper bags are about half the height of the original paper bags.

It is understood that if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.


View attachment 37408
Coles have trialled a newly-sized paper bag for online shoppers. Image: Facebook


According to a Coles spokesperson, they are testing the new paper bags in select stores after garnering feedback from staff.

'We are currently trialling a new paper bag for online orders in 48 stores across South Australia. The decision follows feedback from our team members who said a shorter bag made packing the orders easier,’ they said.

‘All of our paper bags have undergone rigorous independent testing and found to safely hold up to six kilos of groceries and can be reused multiple times.'


Despite the changes in the size of paper bags in online orders in trial stores, no changes have been made to the bags customers purchase in-store nationally.

However, some shoppers have expressed their dismay over the paper bag’s size change.

'Hey Coles, your new half-sized paper bags are ridiculous, especially for your delivery service. Pull ya heads in,' said one outraged shopper.

'Coles, what is with these smaller bags?' said another.


Meanwhile, Coles said that they’ve been ‘impressed’ with the response from using plastic bags to paper bags.

'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Since we announced our decision to phase out soft plastic bags in May, we have been impressed by our customers’ response to the paper bags and thank them for their willingness to adapt and support this important change that will see 230 million plastic bags removed from circulation in 1 year.'

After Coles announced the phase out of soft plastic bags, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells said: ‘The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 per cent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options.’


If you prefer to shop in-store, don’t worry—paper bags in stores are still the same size as they have been. And, of course, those familiar reusable tote bags are still available for your convenience, retailing for $1.00 for the smaller size and $2.50 for the larger bag. A chiller bag is also available for $2.50.

Key Takeaways

  • Coles supermarket customers have reacted negatively to a change in the store's paper shopping bags, which are now smaller and shorter.
  • The change is being trialled in 48 stores for home delivery orders after feedback from staff claimed shorter bags made packing easier.
  • Despite complaints, a Coles spokesperson defended the switch, stating the bags have been tested to safely hold up to six kilos, can be reused, and fit more easily into crates used for Coles Online orders.
  • It’s understood if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.

What do you think of this story? Have you acquired some of Coles’ newly-sized paper bags? Let us know in the comments below!
I take my own cloth bags.
 
'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

By "recycled kerbside", the spokesman really means "Screw them up and toss them in the gutter". That's about all they are good for!

Speaking of Coles, I'm off to the local store to do battle with malfunctioning self serve checkouts and overzealous security staff. In the words of Gloria Gaynor, "I Will Survive!"
 
Coles has landed itself in hot water with customers after trialling smaller paper shopping bags.

The move is part of Coles' shift away from single-use plastics, but has many shoppers feeling short-changed.


Earlier this year, Coles announced plans to replace their 15c soft plastic bags with 25c paper bags in all stores. Coles’ online customers are now being charged a flat rate of $1.50 for using the new ones.

More recently, the supermarket giant confirmed that it’s trialling a new paper bag size for home delivery orders, leading to displeasure amongst some shoppers.

An image circulating on social media shows that the new paper bags are about half the height of the original paper bags.

It is understood that if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.


View attachment 37408
Coles have trialled a newly-sized paper bag for online shoppers. Image: Facebook


According to a Coles spokesperson, they are testing the new paper bags in select stores after garnering feedback from staff.

'We are currently trialling a new paper bag for online orders in 48 stores across South Australia. The decision follows feedback from our team members who said a shorter bag made packing the orders easier,’ they said.

‘All of our paper bags have undergone rigorous independent testing and found to safely hold up to six kilos of groceries and can be reused multiple times.'


Despite the changes in the size of paper bags in online orders in trial stores, no changes have been made to the bags customers purchase in-store nationally.

However, some shoppers have expressed their dismay over the paper bag’s size change.

'Hey Coles, your new half-sized paper bags are ridiculous, especially for your delivery service. Pull ya heads in,' said one outraged shopper.

'Coles, what is with these smaller bags?' said another.


Meanwhile, Coles said that they’ve been ‘impressed’ with the response from using plastic bags to paper bags.

'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Since we announced our decision to phase out soft plastic bags in May, we have been impressed by our customers’ response to the paper bags and thank them for their willingness to adapt and support this important change that will see 230 million plastic bags removed from circulation in 1 year.'

After Coles announced the phase out of soft plastic bags, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells said: ‘The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 per cent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options.’


If you prefer to shop in-store, don’t worry—paper bags in stores are still the same size as they have been. And, of course, those familiar reusable tote bags are still available for your convenience, retailing for $1.00 for the smaller size and $2.50 for the larger bag. A chiller bag is also available for $2.50.

Key Takeaways

  • Coles supermarket customers have reacted negatively to a change in the store's paper shopping bags, which are now smaller and shorter.
  • The change is being trialled in 48 stores for home delivery orders after feedback from staff claimed shorter bags made packing easier.
  • Despite complaints, a Coles spokesperson defended the switch, stating the bags have been tested to safely hold up to six kilos, can be reused, and fit more easily into crates used for Coles Online orders.
  • It’s understood if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.

What do you think of this story? Have you acquired some of Coles’ newly-sized paper bags? Let us know in the comments below!
I love shopping in Coles and Woolies using my Aldi bags and vice versa.
 
'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

By "recycled kerbside", the spokesman really means "Screw them up and toss them in the gutter". That's about all they are good for!

Speaking of Coles, I'm off to the local store to do battle with malfunctioning self serve checkouts and overzealous security staff. In the words of Gloria Gaynor, "I Will Survive!"
Give them hell......and some....
 
Coles has landed itself in hot water with customers after trialling smaller paper shopping bags.

The move is part of Coles' shift away from single-use plastics, but has many shoppers feeling short-changed.


Earlier this year, Coles announced plans to replace their 15c soft plastic bags with 25c paper bags in all stores. Coles’ online customers are now being charged a flat rate of $1.50 for using the new ones.

More recently, the supermarket giant confirmed that it’s trialling a new paper bag size for home delivery orders, leading to displeasure amongst some shoppers.

An image circulating on social media shows that the new paper bags are about half the height of the original paper bags.

It is understood that if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.


View attachment 37408
Coles have trialled a newly-sized paper bag for online shoppers. Image: Facebook


According to a Coles spokesperson, they are testing the new paper bags in select stores after garnering feedback from staff.

'We are currently trialling a new paper bag for online orders in 48 stores across South Australia. The decision follows feedback from our team members who said a shorter bag made packing the orders easier,’ they said.

‘All of our paper bags have undergone rigorous independent testing and found to safely hold up to six kilos of groceries and can be reused multiple times.'


Despite the changes in the size of paper bags in online orders in trial stores, no changes have been made to the bags customers purchase in-store nationally.

However, some shoppers have expressed their dismay over the paper bag’s size change.

'Hey Coles, your new half-sized paper bags are ridiculous, especially for your delivery service. Pull ya heads in,' said one outraged shopper.

'Coles, what is with these smaller bags?' said another.


Meanwhile, Coles said that they’ve been ‘impressed’ with the response from using plastic bags to paper bags.

'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Since we announced our decision to phase out soft plastic bags in May, we have been impressed by our customers’ response to the paper bags and thank them for their willingness to adapt and support this important change that will see 230 million plastic bags removed from circulation in 1 year.'

After Coles announced the phase out of soft plastic bags, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells said: ‘The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 per cent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options.’


If you prefer to shop in-store, don’t worry—paper bags in stores are still the same size as they have been. And, of course, those familiar reusable tote bags are still available for your convenience, retailing for $1.00 for the smaller size and $2.50 for the larger bag. A chiller bag is also available for $2.50.

Key Takeaways

  • Coles supermarket customers have reacted negatively to a change in the store's paper shopping bags, which are now smaller and shorter.
  • The change is being trialled in 48 stores for home delivery orders after feedback from staff claimed shorter bags made packing easier.
  • Despite complaints, a Coles spokesperson defended the switch, stating the bags have been tested to safely hold up to six kilos, can be reused, and fit more easily into crates used for Coles Online orders.
  • It’s understood if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.

What do you think of this story? Have you acquired some of Coles’ newly-sized paper bags? Let us know in the comments below!
As an online shopper I have been charged $1.50 regardless of how many bags, usually 3 so yes I do feel ripped off
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
As someone who is unable to physically go to the shop I have to use home delivery. What I don’t understand is why I end up with about 10 or more paper carrier bags each week. Why on earth can’t they leave me the collapsible crates and get them back next order. It’s not rocket science and would save me and the shop a whole heap of money, time and trouble.
 
As someone who is unable to physically go to the shop I have to use home delivery. What I don’t understand is why I end up with about 10 or more paper carrier bags each week. Why on earth can’t they leave me the collapsible crates and get them back next order. It’s not rocket science and would save me and the shop a whole heap of money, time and trouble.
Those collapsible crates make wonderful under bed storage. I'm looking at them this very moment!
 
Coles has landed itself in hot water with customers after trialling smaller paper shopping bags.

The move is part of Coles' shift away from single-use plastics, but has many shoppers feeling short-changed.


Earlier this year, Coles announced plans to replace their 15c soft plastic bags with 25c paper bags in all stores. Coles’ online customers are now being charged a flat rate of $1.50 for using the new ones.

More recently, the supermarket giant confirmed that it’s trialling a new paper bag size for home delivery orders, leading to displeasure amongst some shoppers.

An image circulating on social media shows that the new paper bags are about half the height of the original paper bags.

It is understood that if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.


View attachment 37408
Coles have trialled a newly-sized paper bag for online shoppers. Image: Facebook


According to a Coles spokesperson, they are testing the new paper bags in select stores after garnering feedback from staff.

'We are currently trialling a new paper bag for online orders in 48 stores across South Australia. The decision follows feedback from our team members who said a shorter bag made packing the orders easier,’ they said.

‘All of our paper bags have undergone rigorous independent testing and found to safely hold up to six kilos of groceries and can be reused multiple times.'


Despite the changes in the size of paper bags in online orders in trial stores, no changes have been made to the bags customers purchase in-store nationally.

However, some shoppers have expressed their dismay over the paper bag’s size change.

'Hey Coles, your new half-sized paper bags are ridiculous, especially for your delivery service. Pull ya heads in,' said one outraged shopper.

'Coles, what is with these smaller bags?' said another.


Meanwhile, Coles said that they’ve been ‘impressed’ with the response from using plastic bags to paper bags.

'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Since we announced our decision to phase out soft plastic bags in May, we have been impressed by our customers’ response to the paper bags and thank them for their willingness to adapt and support this important change that will see 230 million plastic bags removed from circulation in 1 year.'

After Coles announced the phase out of soft plastic bags, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells said: ‘The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 per cent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options.’


If you prefer to shop in-store, don’t worry—paper bags in stores are still the same size as they have been. And, of course, those familiar reusable tote bags are still available for your convenience, retailing for $1.00 for the smaller size and $2.50 for the larger bag. A chiller bag is also available for $2.50.

Key Takeaways

  • Coles supermarket customers have reacted negatively to a change in the store's paper shopping bags, which are now smaller and shorter.
  • The change is being trialled in 48 stores for home delivery orders after feedback from staff claimed shorter bags made packing easier.
  • Despite complaints, a Coles spokesperson defended the switch, stating the bags have been tested to safely hold up to six kilos, can be reused, and fit more easily into crates used for Coles Online orders.
  • It’s understood if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.

What do you think of this story? Have you acquired some of Coles’ newly-sized paper bags? Let us know in the comments below!I don't use the paper bags - they are a waste of money as they tear too easy and won't hold wet/cold items.

Instead i am still using the vast supply of the good old red & white re-use plastic bags i have and patching slits or holes with sticky tape to maximise the use - when they are F'ed they then become packing fodder for things going into storage or the house moving packing fodder collection. therefore NOT impacting the environment and still being useful.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy and Bullwinkle
'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

By "recycled kerbside", the spokesman really means "Screw them up and toss them in the gutter". That's about all they are good for!

Speaking of Coles, I'm off to the local store to do battle with malfunctioning self serve checkouts and overzealous security staff. In the words of Gloria Gaynor, "I Will Survive!"
I am almost embarrassed to say this but I agree,I actually gave the bird to the camera filming my every move and expression at the mal functioning,frustrating checkouts the other day My husband was shocked to see me do this at my age but I have had enough!!!!In the words of the the late crocodile Hunter CRIKEY!!!!!!
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×