Shoppers Sound Off on Woolworths' ‘Serious Problem’ - Sustainable Solution or Flimsy Disaster?

Paper or plastic? It's the age-old question you might remember hearing once upon a time, but there has been a growing emphasis on finding more sustainable alternatives in recent years.

With increased awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics, many people are reevaluating their choices and seeking out more eco-friendly options.



The traditional paper bag, once seen as a more sustainable alternative to plastic, is now being scrutinised for its utility.

Many frustrated shoppers have recently flooded Facebook with posts and comments about a ‘serious’ issue they've been experiencing since Woolworths stopped using plastic bags nationwide.

The supermarket giant began offering reusable paper bags for 25 cents each instead of the 15-cent plastic ones, and it looks like it hasn't been the successful transition initially hoped for.



Customers have claimed that the bags aren’t as sturdy as their plastic counterparts. They tend to break apart when filled with groceries, leading to an increasingly common sight - customers chasing loo rolls and tins of tuna through car parks all over Australia.

One shopper also shared photographs showcasing her torn bags, revealing a broken handle on one and groceries tearing through the bottom of another.


1684895202690.png
Shoppers expressed frustration over Woolies’ paper bags, claiming they’re not sturdy enough to hold groceries. Credit: Facebook.



She wrote: ‘Twenty-five cents for bags that just break before you even get to the car.’
Others voiced their frustrations, too, saying they had experienced similar problems with their purchases.

'Miss the bags already, the paper bag broke on the way to the car,' said one shopper.

Another added: 'How many people are losing all their groceries with the new paper bags?'



Some pointed out that the bags can hold fewer items compared to the phased-out plastic option.

One shopper claimed: ‘Four items to a bag is all they’re good for. No thanks!’

In response to the growing complaints, a Woolworths spokesperson said that the supermarket stands by the quality of the paper bags, claiming they have been tested to carry up to 6kg safely.



However, the reviews on Woolworths paper bags aren't all bad - some shoppers have been saying they actually prefer them.

One shopper said: ‘I like them. They stand up better in the car.’

‘Love them, just need a plastic one for cold and frozen, they don’t do well when wet. At least these have handles, the ones we had 35 years ago didn’t even have handles,’ another added.

A third chimed in: ‘Used them prior to plastic bags, no issues.’

Key Takeaways
  • Woolworths shoppers are voicing their frustrations on social media regarding the store's paper shopping bags.
  • Customers have reported that the bags are not sturdy enough and break apart when filled with groceries.
  • Despite these complaints, a Woolworths spokesperson stands by the quality of the paper bags, stating they are designed to carry up to 6kg.
  • While some customers are unhappy with the paper bags, others have mentioned their preference for them and have not faced any issues.



It’s clear that the new paper bags are causing a divide among shoppers.

So which side are you on, members? Do you think paper bags are a good replacement, or are the issues too much of a nuisance to make them worthwhile? Have you experienced any of these problems yourself? Let us know in the comments section below.
 
Sponsored
I used a paper bag to collect Milk as did not have a bag in car. When I got home bag burst and milk sprayed all over my car and garage. Ok for a few items but definitely not for cold items.
Buy a couple of the store's cooler bags.
 
We buy nylon shopping bags as souvenirs when we travel. Fold up small enough to fit in my handbag. They last much longer than plastic or paper and bring back wonderful memories.
I remember the nylon and string bags as that's all people had back then, or use a shopping trolley. The string & nylon string bags hurt the hands and I remember most people tried to sit these on top of a full shopping trolley and wheel it home.

The store's green & freezer bags are the best.
 
Paper bags were phased out because people were worried about all the trees being cut down. So plastic was brought in. And here we are.
 
Paper or plastic? It's the age-old question you might remember hearing once upon a time, but there has been a growing emphasis on finding more sustainable alternatives in recent years.

With increased awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics, many people are reevaluating their choices and seeking out more eco-friendly options.



The traditional paper bag, once seen as a more sustainable alternative to plastic, is now being scrutinised for its utility.

Many frustrated shoppers have recently flooded Facebook with posts and comments about a ‘serious’ issue they've been experiencing since Woolworths stopped using plastic bags nationwide.

The supermarket giant began offering reusable paper bags for 25 cents each instead of the 15-cent plastic ones, and it looks like it hasn't been the successful transition initially hoped for.



Customers have claimed that the bags aren’t as sturdy as their plastic counterparts. They tend to break apart when filled with groceries, leading to an increasingly common sight - customers chasing loo rolls and tins of tuna through car parks all over Australia.

One shopper also shared photographs showcasing her torn bags, revealing a broken handle on one and groceries tearing through the bottom of another.


View attachment 20531
Shoppers expressed frustration over Woolies’ paper bags, claiming they’re not sturdy enough to hold groceries. Credit: Facebook.



She wrote: ‘Twenty-five cents for bags that just break before you even get to the car.’
Others voiced their frustrations, too, saying they had experienced similar problems with their purchases.

'Miss the bags already, the paper bag broke on the way to the car,' said one shopper.

Another added: 'How many people are losing all their groceries with the new paper bags?'



Some pointed out that the bags can hold fewer items compared to the phased-out plastic option.

One shopper claimed: ‘Four items to a bag is all they’re good for. No thanks!’

In response to the growing complaints, a Woolworths spokesperson said that the supermarket stands by the quality of the paper bags, claiming they have been tested to carry up to 6kg safely.



However, the reviews on Woolworths paper bags aren't all bad - some shoppers have been saying they actually prefer them.

One shopper said: ‘I like them. They stand up better in the car.’

‘Love them, just need a plastic one for cold and frozen, they don’t do well when wet. At least these have handles, the ones we had 35 years ago didn’t even have handles,’ another added.

A third chimed in: ‘Used them prior to plastic bags, no issues.’

Key Takeaways

  • Woolworths shoppers are voicing their frustrations on social media regarding the store's paper shopping bags.
  • Customers have reported that the bags are not sturdy enough and break apart when filled with groceries.
  • Despite these complaints, a Woolworths spokesperson stands by the quality of the paper bags, stating they are designed to carry up to 6kg.
  • While some customers are unhappy with the paper bags, others have mentioned their preference for them and have not faced any issues.



It’s clear that the new paper bags are causing a divide among shoppers.

So which side are you on, members? Do you think paper bags are a good replacement, or are the issues too much of a nuisance to make them worthwhile? Have you experienced any of these problems yourself? Let us know in the comments section below.
I love them, but the BigW ones on the other hand, now they were ripping while putting clothes (light, like tshirts and cotton dresses) into them at the register and not by myself 😢
 
PAPER bags were phased out decades ago because of "Concern for the Environment", and sustainability of tree felling for paper. Now we phase out plastic bags and replace them with PAPER bags because of "Concern for the Environment". Both times policies were/are "backed by science". Make up your mind people !

As I need to get my groceries delivered, I cannot provide my own bags. Personally, my plastic bags were nearly always reused as garbage bags, carry bags, storage bags, waterproof bags for bringing home wet bathers etc. I have no practical use for the paper bags now, so I pay out extra money, only to toss them straight into the recycle bin, and now have to pay out even more money to buy PLASTIC bags for garbage, and anything that may contain moisture. I have no waterproof carry bags now.
"(Both times policies were/are "backed by science". Make up your mind people !)"

The point is that they keep on moving the goal post and they don't even know themselves what to believe in. But think of it in this way, they say that it is all based on SCIENCE....

WELL, AND WHAT IS SCIENCE BASED UPPON.???

"HYPOTHESIS"...

Yep all based on hypothesis. And what is hypothesis and what does it means.?

Well, here it is "(a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.)" And/or "(a proposition made as a basis for reasoning, without any assumption of its truth.)"

Say no more..
 
it's all a money-grabbing exercise. I refuse point blank to buy a bag.
 

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×