In June, supermarket giant Coles removed single-use plastic shopping bags from their stores to reduce environmental waste, but one shopper's experience reveals the move may have brought some unexpected new issues.

The woman claimed that these bags, which cost 25 cents and are advertised to hold six kilograms, aren't up to the task.

In the footage, the customer's Coles bag, which is said to be made from 100% recycled paper, was shown torn and on the ground, with her grocery items, such as a soft drink and a bag of chips, scattered nearby.

She pointed out that the bag's handle ripped, even though she didn't have anywhere close to six kilos of groceries in it.

'It just snapped, clean snapped, right here,' she said.

Coles discontinued using soft-plastic shopping bags in-store and online at the end of June. Credit: TikTok/astralfroglet.

The woman also mentioned in the comments section of her video that she evenly distributed the items in the bags, but the paper bag still tore.

'Plenty of others have had the same problem. If the bags aren't fit for purpose or can't hold the 6kgs that they claim, they shouldn't be sold,' she argued.

Hundreds of fellow supermarket shoppers flooded the comments section of her post.

Some people questioned why Coles still sells these bags if they don't hold up. Others shared their own experiences with the bags tearing, even with relatively light loads.

For instance, one person mentioned that the bags ripped with just three 1.25-litre bottles of soft drinks. 'Ever since then, if I get them, I carry them like a baby,' the commenter added.

There was even a serious incident where a Coles bag broke, causing a senior to fall and break her arm. To make matters worse, when the situation was reported to the Coles manager, the response was unsympathetic.

While some shared their frustrations on social media, a few SDC members suggested carrying more durable reusable bags when shopping to avoid such issues.

Member @Elva shared, 'We keep a box and small trolley in the car boot. A few bags for small shops.'

'For years, we have been using ALDI trolley bags, set of 4. After emptying, they are always returned to the car. Have a fold-up light one hooked to my purse for when I wasn't going to buy anything,' member @Pat T added.

Member @Heths also shared their idea, 'I've got a few bags made out of lightweight material that can be folded and stored in my handbag so they are always there for shopping and easy to wash when required.'

Coles responded to customer concerns by defending the durability of its paper bags, which they claim can hold up to six kilograms of groceries.

A spokesperson stated that these bags have undergone rigorous independent testing, proving their ability to safely carry groceries, including chilled and frozen items. They can also be reused multiple times.

The supermarket chain also noted that this shift in packaging would eliminate 230 million plastic bags from circulation across the country within a year.

Matt Swindells, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer, stated: '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.'

Key Takeaways

• A shopper criticised Coles for switching from plastic to paper bags, claiming her groceries were damaged when the bag broke.
• The woman said that despite the new paper bags being allegedly designed to hold up to 6kg, the bottom of her bag fell out before reaching this weight.
• The incident has sparked mixed responses from fellow Coles customers, with some criticising the quality of the bags and others suggesting using more durable recyclable bags.
• Despite the criticism, Coles stands by its switch to paper bags, with a spokesperson stating they have undergone intensive testing and can safely hold up to 6kg and be reused multiple times.

Members, we'd like to hear your thoughts. Have you also encountered issues with Coles grocery paper bags? If so, please share any alternative bag options or solutions with us. Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below!

 

[Catherines]

TYO - TAKE YOUR OWN, then you cannot complain about the paper ones.

 

[Rosalie30]

In my handbag I carry one of those material bags that go into a very small zip up bag that will clip onto the ring holding the handbag strap, a few of these in the boot of the car would be a better option that paper bags, I hate them from my young days that's all we could get and many an item was broken, really bad when they break and 1lb (about 2kg) of flour goes all over the floor and you too lol they didn't have handles on the bags back then lol

I carry similar little bags in my handbag. They are lightweight nylon and fold neatly into their little press-studded holder. I have carried many cans, jars and other heavy items successfully. Cost is about $3 each. Also use them for other purchases. They are washable too. I gave one to a nice old man in Aldi the other day as he was going to buy one of their paper bags. He told me he would be able to carry it in his pocket easily.

 

[Littleboy8]

I carry similar little bags in my handbag. They are lightweight nylon and fold neatly into their little press-studded holder. I have carried many cans, jars and other heavy items successfully. Cost is about $3 each. Also use them for other purchases. They are washable too. I gave one to a nice old man in Aldi the other day as he was going to buy one of their paper bags. He told me he would be able to carry it in his pocket easily.

That was really sweet of you

 

[riskydave]

In June, supermarket giant Coles removed single-use plastic shopping bags from their stores to reduce environmental waste, but one shopper's experience reveals the move may have brought some unexpected new issues.

The woman claimed that these bags, which cost 25 cents and are advertised to hold six kilograms, aren't up to the task.

In the footage, the customer's Coles bag, which is said to be made from 100% recycled paper, was shown torn and on the ground, with her grocery items, such as a soft drink and a bag of chips, scattered nearby.

She pointed out that the bag's handle ripped, even though she didn't have anywhere close to six kilos of groceries in it.

'It just snapped, clean snapped, right here,' she said.

View attachment 33612

Coles discontinued using soft-plastic shopping bags in-store and online at the end of June. Credit: TikTok/astralfroglet.

The woman also mentioned in the comments section of her video that she evenly distributed the items in the bags, but the paper bag still tore.

'Plenty of others have had the same problem. If the bags aren't fit for purpose or can't hold the 6kgs that they claim, they shouldn't be sold,' she argued.

Hundreds of fellow supermarket shoppers flooded the comments section of her post.

Some people questioned why Coles still sells these bags if they don't hold up. Others shared their own experiences with the bags tearing, even with relatively light loads.

For instance, one person mentioned that the bags ripped with just three 1.25-litre bottles of soft drinks. 'Ever since then, if I get them, I carry them like a baby,' the commenter added.

There was even a serious incident where a Coles bag broke, causing a senior to fall and break her arm. To make matters worse, when the situation was reported to the Coles manager, the response was unsympathetic.

While some shared their frustrations on social media, a few SDC members suggested carrying more durable reusable bags when shopping to avoid such issues.

Member @Elva shared, 'We keep a box and small trolley in the car boot. A few bags for small shops.'

'For years, we have been using ALDI trolley bags, set of 4. After emptying, they are always returned to the car. Have a fold-up light one hooked to my purse for when I wasn't going to buy anything,' member @Pat T added.

Member @Heths also shared their idea, 'I've got a few bags made out of lightweight material that can be folded and stored in my handbag so they are always there for shopping and easy to wash when required.'

Coles responded to customer concerns by defending the durability of its paper bags, which they claim can hold up to six kilograms of groceries.

A spokesperson stated that these bags have undergone rigorous independent testing, proving their ability to safely carry groceries, including chilled and frozen items. They can also be reused multiple times.

The supermarket chain also noted that this shift in packaging would eliminate 230 million plastic bags from circulation across the country within a year.

Matt Swindells, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer, stated: '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.'

Key Takeaways

• A shopper criticised Coles for switching from plastic to paper bags, claiming her groceries were damaged when the bag broke.
• The woman said that despite the new paper bags being allegedly designed to hold up to 6kg, the bottom of her bag fell out before reaching this weight.
• The incident has sparked mixed responses from fellow Coles customers, with some criticising the quality of the bags and others suggesting using more durable recyclable bags.
• Despite the criticism, Coles stands by its switch to paper bags, with a spokesperson stating they have undergone intensive testing and can safely hold up to 6kg and be reused multiple times.

Members, we'd like to hear your thoughts. Have you also encountered issues with Coles grocery paper bags? If so, please share any alternative bag options or solutions with us. Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below!

It would be a money thing, Coles would be making money off the bags, best thing is to use a Coles basket and leave it in a trolley when you leave or at the door, these supermarkets need to start being a bit more customer friendly.

 

[Wizzard]

I have realised that usually Woolworths paper bags seem to be stronger and have not had the problem of handles falling off.

Maybe Coles should look at the quality of paper etc that they are using.

Regards

Gregory Brown

Baldivis

WA

 

[Wizzard]

Yes I definitely agree that better vending type operating systems should be made available in Perth and all Other shopping centres in WA.

It would mean that there will be less going to Council rubbish which should reduce what councils charge in their rates.

Regards

Gregory Brown

Baldivis

WA

 

[Wizzard]

Another one I once saw on the internet was a Machine at a Service Station which accepted all types of plastic container.

It crushed them up into small square blocks and gave ac nominal credit against the charge of fuel being bought.

In reality, the world has the technology to do such things.

BUT

The major companies and governments that should really (100%) be concerned are too interested in making money, no matter what damage is being done to our World (planet) and to persons health.

Cheers

Gregory Brown (79 Year old fella)

Baldivis

WA

 

[grasshopper55]

In June, supermarket giant Coles removed single-use plastic shopping bags from their stores to reduce environmental waste, but one shopper's experience reveals the move may have brought some unexpected new issues.

The woman claimed that these bags, which cost 25 cents and are advertised to hold six kilograms, aren't up to the task.

In the footage, the customer's Coles bag, which is said to be made from 100% recycled paper, was shown torn and on the ground, with her grocery items, such as a soft drink and a bag of chips, scattered nearby.

She pointed out that the bag's handle ripped, even though she didn't have anywhere close to six kilos of groceries in it.

'It just snapped, clean snapped, right here,' she said.

View attachment 33612

Coles discontinued using soft-plastic shopping bags in-store and online at the end of June. Credit: TikTok/astralfroglet.

The woman also mentioned in the comments section of her video that she evenly distributed the items in the bags, but the paper bag still tore.

'Plenty of others have had the same problem. If the bags aren't fit for purpose or can't hold the 6kgs that they claim, they shouldn't be sold,' she argued.

Hundreds of fellow supermarket shoppers flooded the comments section of her post.

Some people questioned why Coles still sells these bags if they don't hold up. Others shared their own experiences with the bags tearing, even with relatively light loads.

For instance, one person mentioned that the bags ripped with just three 1.25-litre bottles of soft drinks. 'Ever since then, if I get them, I carry them like a baby,' the commenter added.

There was even a serious incident where a Coles bag broke, causing a senior to fall and break her arm. To make matters worse, when the situation was reported to the Coles manager, the response was unsympathetic.

While some shared their frustrations on social media, a few SDC members suggested carrying more durable reusable bags when shopping to avoid such issues.

Member @Elva shared, 'We keep a box and small trolley in the car boot. A few bags for small shops.'

'For years, we have been using ALDI trolley bags, set of 4. After emptying, they are always returned to the car. Have a fold-up light one hooked to my purse for when I wasn't going to buy anything,' member @Pat T added.

Member @Heths also shared their idea, 'I've got a few bags made out of lightweight material that can be folded and stored in my handbag so they are always there for shopping and easy to wash when required.'

Coles responded to customer concerns by defending the durability of its paper bags, which they claim can hold up to six kilograms of groceries.

A spokesperson stated that these bags have undergone rigorous independent testing, proving their ability to safely carry groceries, including chilled and frozen items. They can also be reused multiple times.

The supermarket chain also noted that this shift in packaging would eliminate 230 million plastic bags from circulation across the country within a year.

Matt Swindells, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer, stated: '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.'

Key Takeaways

• A shopper criticised Coles for switching from plastic to paper bags, claiming her groceries were damaged when the bag broke.
• The woman said that despite the new paper bags being allegedly designed to hold up to 6kg, the bottom of her bag fell out before reaching this weight.
• The incident has sparked mixed responses from fellow Coles customers, with some criticising the quality of the bags and others suggesting using more durable recyclable bags.
• Despite the criticism, Coles stands by its switch to paper bags, with a spokesperson stating they have undergone intensive testing and can safely hold up to 6kg and be reused multiple times.

Members, we'd like to hear your thoughts. Have you also encountered issues with Coles grocery paper bags? If so, please share any alternative bag options or solutions with us. Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below!

People are so lazy. Take your own bags and don't waste money on rubbish bags.

 

[Ken01]

In June, supermarket giant Coles removed single-use plastic shopping bags from their stores to reduce environmental waste, but one shopper's experience reveals the move may have brought some unexpected new issues.

The woman claimed that these bags, which cost 25 cents and are advertised to hold six kilograms, aren't up to the task.

In the footage, the customer's Coles bag, which is said to be made from 100% recycled paper, was shown torn and on the ground, with her grocery items, such as a soft drink and a bag of chips, scattered nearby.

She pointed out that the bag's handle ripped, even though she didn't have anywhere close to six kilos of groceries in it.

'It just snapped, clean snapped, right here,' she said.

View attachment 33612

Coles discontinued using soft-plastic shopping bags in-store and online at the end of June. Credit: TikTok/astralfroglet.

The woman also mentioned in the comments section of her video that she evenly distributed the items in the bags, but the paper bag still tore.

'Plenty of others have had the same problem. If the bags aren't fit for purpose or can't hold the 6kgs that they claim, they shouldn't be sold,' she argued.

Hundreds of fellow supermarket shoppers flooded the comments section of her post.

Some people questioned why Coles still sells these bags if they don't hold up. Others shared their own experiences with the bags tearing, even with relatively light loads.

For instance, one person mentioned that the bags ripped with just three 1.25-litre bottles of soft drinks. 'Ever since then, if I get them, I carry them like a baby,' the commenter added.

There was even a serious incident where a Coles bag broke, causing a senior to fall and break her arm. To make matters worse, when the situation was reported to the Coles manager, the response was unsympathetic.

While some shared their frustrations on social media, a few SDC members suggested carrying more durable reusable bags when shopping to avoid such issues.

Member @Elva shared, 'We keep a box and small trolley in the car boot. A few bags for small shops.'

'For years, we have been using ALDI trolley bags, set of 4. After emptying, they are always returned to the car. Have a fold-up light one hooked to my purse for when I wasn't going to buy anything,' member @Pat T added.

Member @Heths also shared their idea, 'I've got a few bags made out of lightweight material that can be folded and stored in my handbag so they are always there for shopping and easy to wash when required.'

Coles responded to customer concerns by defending the durability of its paper bags, which they claim can hold up to six kilograms of groceries.

A spokesperson stated that these bags have undergone rigorous independent testing, proving their ability to safely carry groceries, including chilled and frozen items. They can also be reused multiple times.

The supermarket chain also noted that this shift in packaging would eliminate 230 million plastic bags from circulation across the country within a year.

Matt Swindells, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer, stated: '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.'

Key Takeaways

• A shopper criticised Coles for switching from plastic to paper bags, claiming her groceries were damaged when the bag broke.
• The woman said that despite the new paper bags being allegedly designed to hold up to 6kg, the bottom of her bag fell out before reaching this weight.
• The incident has sparked mixed responses from fellow Coles customers, with some criticising the quality of the bags and others suggesting using more durable recyclable bags.
• Despite the criticism, Coles stands by its switch to paper bags, with a spokesperson stating they have undergone intensive testing and can safely hold up to 6kg and be reused multiple times.

Members, we'd like to hear your thoughts. Have you also encountered issues with Coles grocery paper bags? If so, please share any alternative bag options or solutions with us. Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below!

If Coles and other supermarkets are so concerned about the environment, why are they charging the customer for inferior quality paper bags (they have been proven not reliable in the past), while at the same time doing nothing about there own use of plastic in their Coles branded packaging, don't we all have a part to play in the environment?
I have their plastic bags and others in the boot of my car and reuse them all the time, do not like or trust paper bags.

 

[Ken01]

Robert
I refuse to pay 25cents for a paper bag, that is not up to doing the job, years back we got paper bags for free at the supermarkets.

Look how far we've come. Isn't technology and progress grand!
Now we get to shop, scan, pay, pack and be labeled a suspected theif, and the benefit for us is higher prices, benefit to supermarkets, higher profits and pay packets to CEO's.

 

[SeniorSnoopy]

The easy solution to this dilemma is use your own bags. I've been using large canvas bags that I bought from my local fruit and veg shop over 8 years ago and I've never had any mishaps. My cold produce goes into the cooler bags. It's not rocket science guys.

 

[Phantom55]

Customers should remember that these paper bags we PURCHASE are now in fact a PRODUCT and should be treated as a purchased product and as such must be of marketable quality and subject to refund or replacement..personally I restrict my purchases to what I can comfortably carry without a bag...and boy it DOES save me money as I cant buy anything more than what I came in for,, I still have a C oles bag which I use at ALDI

 

[Phantom55]

Robert
I refuse to pay 25cents for a paper bag, that is not up to doing the job, years back we got paper bags for free at the supermarkets.

ditto

 

[Mary bega]

Robert
I refuse to pay 25cents for a paper bag, that is not up to doing the job, years back we got paper bags for free at the supermarkets.

I hate them,you cannot fill them too much as they will break therefore sometime I end up with too many bags in my boot and carrying them inside my house is a struggle.I would pay more than 25 cents if they provided better bags.get rid of them;;

 

[marni]

If she didn’t use them in the shop that’s stealing

you could always put one apple/one banana in each

 

[marni]

I purchased really nice bags from Temu which fold up tiny, are washable and colourful. 5 for about $10 and will last.