Shopper calls out Coles for quality of new paper bags after mishap
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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.
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.'
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!
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.'
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!
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