We all love supporting local businesses and Australian-made products, right? Well, if we told you that Woolworths supermarket recently abandoned its plans to produce all paper bags in the country, you might be a little bit surprised, to say the least.

Now, let's take a stroll down memory lane, back to 2020 when Woolworths faced widespread criticism for producing their 25-cent paper bags overseas in countries such as China and Vietnam.

Woolworths supermarket has recently decided against producing all paper bags within the country. Image by matthiasboeckel from pixabay

The supermarket giant quickly made amends, pledging in 2021 to produce '100 per cent' of its paper bags locally, following a deal with Australian manufacturer Detpak, a South Australian-based company.

According to a Woolworths Group spokesperson in an official statement, ‘The supermarket has been working with Detpak to plan and grow local capacity since early 2020 to produce the paper bags at scale in Australia and support a transition to a 100% Australian-made line nationally.’

However, in a surprising turn of events, Woolworths has reassessed this promise, admitting that it still manufactures paper bags in China and Vietnam!

It seems that the demand for paper bags has skyrocketed recently, especially since Woolworths has phased out its 15-cent plastic bags from stores nationally.

It's important to note that a Woolworths spokesperson clarified their position. According to 7NEWS.com.au, the supermarket remains committed to collaborating with two Australian companies, Detpak and Victoria-based Opal, in order to produce more paper bags within the country.

The spokesperson emphasised their dedication to reducing plastic waste in the community by removing soft plastic shopping bags from their checkouts.

They further added: ‘We're encouraging customers to bring their own bags. However, we understand that more customers will now rely on our paper bags, and unfortunately, we are currently unable to source enough locally to meet the increased demand.’

The current production capacity for paper bags in Australia is limited. Photo by Franki Chamaki on Unsplash

The spokesperson explained that the production capacity for paper bags in Australia is limited at present, but they are actively working with the two Australian manufacturers to obtain as many locally made paper bags as possible.

This revelation has already raised a few eyebrows, as one curious Woolworths shopper noticed that the supermarket was selling bags made in different countries at the same store.

'Interesting find, two bags from the same store,' the customer wrote on Facebook. 'Have to wonder how true the Australian claims are when the other clearly states made in China. Gee, can't wait for the explanation on this.'

Woolworths has partnered with Detpak and Opal, supporting investment in new machinery to boost production capacity. This partnership has created 30 Australian jobs at Opal and 24 at Detpak. The paper used for these bags is produced at the Maryvale mill in rural Victoria.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths supermarket has abandoned plans to manufacture all of its paper bags in Australia due to increased demand.
• The retail giant faced backlash in 2020 for producing its 25-cent paper bags overseas and later pledged to produce '100 per cent' of its paper bags locally.
• Woolworths is still manufacturing paper bags in China and Vietnam and will continue to work with two Australian companies to manufacture more paper bags in Australia.
• Since 2020, Woolworths has partnered with Australian companies Detpak and Opal to increase the supply of locally made bags, creating 30 jobs at Opal and 24 at Detpak.

Woolworths' discussions with Australian manufacturers are still ongoing. It is believed that this move was not driven by customer backlash but rather by their own desire to work with Australian suppliers.

So, members, while we might not be able to enjoy 100 per cent Australian-made paper bags in our local Woolworths store just yet, we can still support the store's push for locally manufactured bags by bringing our own reusable options every time we shop.

By doing so, we actively contribute to minimising plastic waste.

Let's continue taking small actions that count and demonstrate the importance of reducing plastic waste. Happy shopping, and don't forget to reuse those bags!

On that note, how do you personally contribute to reducing plastic waste in your everyday life?

 

[Jakepuss]

We all love supporting local businesses and Australian-made products, right? Well, if we told you that Woolworths supermarket recently abandoned its plans to produce all paper bags in the country, you might be a little bit surprised, to say the least.

Now, let's take a stroll down memory lane, back to 2020 when Woolworths faced widespread criticism for producing their 25-cent paper bags overseas in countries such as China and Vietnam.

View attachment 21889

Woolworths supermarket has recently decided against producing all paper bags within the country. Image by matthiasboeckel from pixabay

The supermarket giant quickly made amends, pledging in 2021 to produce '100 per cent' of its paper bags locally, following a deal with Australian manufacturer Detpak, a South Australian-based company.

According to a Woolworths Group spokesperson in an official statement, ‘The supermarket has been working with Detpak to plan and grow local capacity since early 2020 to produce the paper bags at scale in Australia and support a transition to a 100% Australian-made line nationally.’

However, in a surprising turn of events, Woolworths has reassessed this promise, admitting that it still manufactures paper bags in China and Vietnam!

It seems that the demand for paper bags has skyrocketed recently, especially since Woolworths has phased out its 15-cent plastic bags from stores nationally.

It's important to note that a Woolworths spokesperson clarified their position. According to 7NEWS.com.au, the supermarket remains committed to collaborating with two Australian companies, Detpak and Victoria-based Opal, in order to produce more paper bags within the country.

The spokesperson emphasised their dedication to reducing plastic waste in the community by removing soft plastic shopping bags from their checkouts.

They further added: ‘We're encouraging customers to bring their own bags. However, we understand that more customers will now rely on our paper bags, and unfortunately, we are currently unable to source enough locally to meet the increased demand.’

View attachment 21890

The current production capacity for paper bags in Australia is limited. Photo by Franki Chamaki on Unsplash

The spokesperson explained that the production capacity for paper bags in Australia is limited at present, but they are actively working with the two Australian manufacturers to obtain as many locally made paper bags as possible.

This revelation has already raised a few eyebrows, as one curious Woolworths shopper noticed that the supermarket was selling bags made in different countries at the same store.

'Interesting find, two bags from the same store,' the customer wrote on Facebook. 'Have to wonder how true the Australian claims are when the other clearly states made in China. Gee, can't wait for the explanation on this.'

Woolworths has partnered with Detpak and Opal, supporting investment in new machinery to boost production capacity. This partnership has created 30 Australian jobs at Opal and 24 at Detpak. The paper used for these bags is produced at the Maryvale mill in rural Victoria.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths supermarket has abandoned plans to manufacture all of its paper bags in Australia due to increased demand.
• The retail giant faced backlash in 2020 for producing its 25-cent paper bags overseas and later pledged to produce '100 per cent' of its paper bags locally.
• Woolworths is still manufacturing paper bags in China and Vietnam and will continue to work with two Australian companies to manufacture more paper bags in Australia.
• Since 2020, Woolworths has partnered with Australian companies Detpak and Opal to increase the supply of locally made bags, creating 30 jobs at Opal and 24 at Detpak.

Woolworths' discussions with Australian manufacturers are still ongoing. It is believed that this move was not driven by customer backlash but rather by their own desire to work with Australian suppliers.

So, members, while we might not be able to enjoy 100 per cent Australian-made paper bags in our local Woolworths store just yet, we can still support the store's push for locally manufactured bags by bringing our own reusable options every time we shop.

By doing so, we actively contribute to minimising plastic waste.

Let's continue taking small actions that count and demonstrate the importance of reducing plastic waste. Happy shopping, and don't forget to reuse those bags!

On that note, how do you personally contribute to reducing plastic waste in your everyday life?

Thanks to Victorian greens pressuring APM to shut down Victorian forests; Mary vale mill will be ceasing production soon.
Paper will be imported from guess, and most bags will be made from bamboo. Might be a great idea if we started panda farms!

 

[Nigel Kershaw]

I am sure that Woollies will sort it out soon, they are probably having issues with the quantities they need and the cost involved which would be the problem with the suppliers. I got my groceries home delivered the other day and it came in all paper bags which presents another issue. I now have to buy kitchen tidy bags instead of using the Woollies plastic bags from their home delivery. Also, what do I do with all the paper carry bags I now have? Perhaps put them in the bin to go to landfill as they are useless to me for anything else. There seems to be some issues here.

Perhaps the recycling bin???????

 

[thomas]

We all love supporting local businesses and Australian-made products, right? Well, if we told you that Woolworths supermarket recently abandoned its plans to produce all paper bags in the country, you might be a little bit surprised, to say the least.

Now, let's take a stroll down memory lane, back to 2020 when Woolworths faced widespread criticism for producing their 25-cent paper bags overseas in countries such as China and Vietnam.

View attachment 21889

Woolworths supermarket has recently decided against producing all paper bags within the country. Image by matthiasboeckel from pixabay

The supermarket giant quickly made amends, pledging in 2021 to produce '100 per cent' of its paper bags locally, following a deal with Australian manufacturer Detpak, a South Australian-based company.

According to a Woolworths Group spokesperson in an official statement, ‘The supermarket has been working with Detpak to plan and grow local capacity since early 2020 to produce the paper bags at scale in Australia and support a transition to a 100% Australian-made line nationally.’

However, in a surprising turn of events, Woolworths has reassessed this promise, admitting that it still manufactures paper bags in China and Vietnam!

It seems that the demand for paper bags has skyrocketed recently, especially since Woolworths has phased out its 15-cent plastic bags from stores nationally.

It's important to note that a Woolworths spokesperson clarified their position. According to 7NEWS.com.au, the supermarket remains committed to collaborating with two Australian companies, Detpak and Victoria-based Opal, in order to produce more paper bags within the country.

The spokesperson emphasised their dedication to reducing plastic waste in the community by removing soft plastic shopping bags from their checkouts.

They further added: ‘We're encouraging customers to bring their own bags. However, we understand that more customers will now rely on our paper bags, and unfortunately, we are currently unable to source enough locally to meet the increased demand.’

View attachment 21890

The current production capacity for paper bags in Australia is limited. Photo by Franki Chamaki on Unsplash

The spokesperson explained that the production capacity for paper bags in Australia is limited at present, but they are actively working with the two Australian manufacturers to obtain as many locally made paper bags as possible.

This revelation has already raised a few eyebrows, as one curious Woolworths shopper noticed that the supermarket was selling bags made in different countries at the same store.

'Interesting find, two bags from the same store,' the customer wrote on Facebook. 'Have to wonder how true the Australian claims are when the other clearly states made in China. Gee, can't wait for the explanation on this.'

Woolworths has partnered with Detpak and Opal, supporting investment in new machinery to boost production capacity. This partnership has created 30 Australian jobs at Opal and 24 at Detpak. The paper used for these bags is produced at the Maryvale mill in rural Victoria.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths supermarket has abandoned plans to manufacture all of its paper bags in Australia due to increased demand.
• The retail giant faced backlash in 2020 for producing its 25-cent paper bags overseas and later pledged to produce '100 per cent' of its paper bags locally.
• Woolworths is still manufacturing paper bags in China and Vietnam and will continue to work with two Australian companies to manufacture more paper bags in Australia.
• Since 2020, Woolworths has partnered with Australian companies Detpak and Opal to increase the supply of locally made bags, creating 30 jobs at Opal and 24 at Detpak.

Woolworths' discussions with Australian manufacturers are still ongoing. It is believed that this move was not driven by customer backlash but rather by their own desire to work with Australian suppliers.

So, members, while we might not be able to enjoy 100 per cent Australian-made paper bags in our local Woolworths store just yet, we can still support the store's push for locally manufactured bags by bringing our own reusable options every time we shop.

By doing so, we actively contribute to minimising plastic waste.

Let's continue taking small actions that count and demonstrate the importance of reducing plastic waste. Happy shopping, and don't forget to reuse those bags!

On that note, how do you personally contribute to reducing plastic waste in your everyday life?

a lot of people are just TOO slack to carry an empty reusable bag into the store but they are very quick off the mark to criticize about plastic bags . the world has gone silly (understatement), always criticizing but doing nothing to help remedy the situation.

 

[Cass43]

We all love supporting local businesses and Australian-made products, right? Well, if we told you that Woolworths supermarket recently abandoned its plans to produce all paper bags in the country, you might be a little bit surprised, to say the least.

Now, let's take a stroll down memory lane, back to 2020 when Woolworths faced widespread criticism for producing their 25-cent paper bags overseas in countries such as China and Vietnam.

View attachment 21889

Woolworths supermarket has recently decided against producing all paper bags within the country. Image by matthiasboeckel from pixabay

The supermarket giant quickly made amends, pledging in 2021 to produce '100 per cent' of its paper bags locally, following a deal with Australian manufacturer Detpak, a South Australian-based company.

According to a Woolworths Group spokesperson in an official statement, ‘The supermarket has been working with Detpak to plan and grow local capacity since early 2020 to produce the paper bags at scale in Australia and support a transition to a 100% Australian-made line nationally.’

However, in a surprising turn of events, Woolworths has reassessed this promise, admitting that it still manufactures paper bags in China and Vietnam!

It seems that the demand for paper bags has skyrocketed recently, especially since Woolworths has phased out its 15-cent plastic bags from stores nationally.

It's important to note that a Woolworths spokesperson clarified their position. According to 7NEWS.com.au, the supermarket remains committed to collaborating with two Australian companies, Detpak and Victoria-based Opal, in order to produce more paper bags within the country.

The spokesperson emphasised their dedication to reducing plastic waste in the community by removing soft plastic shopping bags from their checkouts.

They further added: ‘We're encouraging customers to bring their own bags. However, we understand that more customers will now rely on our paper bags, and unfortunately, we are currently unable to source enough locally to meet the increased demand.’

View attachment 21890

The current production capacity for paper bags in Australia is limited. Photo by Franki Chamaki on Unsplash

The spokesperson explained that the production capacity for paper bags in Australia is limited at present, but they are actively working with the two Australian manufacturers to obtain as many locally made paper bags as possible.

This revelation has already raised a few eyebrows, as one curious Woolworths shopper noticed that the supermarket was selling bags made in different countries at the same store.

'Interesting find, two bags from the same store,' the customer wrote on Facebook. 'Have to wonder how true the Australian claims are when the other clearly states made in China. Gee, can't wait for the explanation on this.'

Woolworths has partnered with Detpak and Opal, supporting investment in new machinery to boost production capacity. This partnership has created 30 Australian jobs at Opal and 24 at Detpak. The paper used for these bags is produced at the Maryvale mill in rural Victoria.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths supermarket has abandoned plans to manufacture all of its paper bags in Australia due to increased demand.
• The retail giant faced backlash in 2020 for producing its 25-cent paper bags overseas and later pledged to produce '100 per cent' of its paper bags locally.
• Woolworths is still manufacturing paper bags in China and Vietnam and will continue to work with two Australian companies to manufacture more paper bags in Australia.
• Since 2020, Woolworths has partnered with Australian companies Detpak and Opal to increase the supply of locally made bags, creating 30 jobs at Opal and 24 at Detpak.

Woolworths' discussions with Australian manufacturers are still ongoing. It is believed that this move was not driven by customer backlash but rather by their own desire to work with Australian suppliers.

So, members, while we might not be able to enjoy 100 per cent Australian-made paper bags in our local Woolworths store just yet, we can still support the store's push for locally manufactured bags by bringing our own reusable options every time we shop.

By doing so, we actively contribute to minimising plastic waste.

Let's continue taking small actions that count and demonstrate the importance of reducing plastic waste. Happy shopping, and don't forget to reuse those bags!

On that note, how do you personally contribute to reducing plastic waste in your everyday life?

Maryvale paper mill has been producing paper suitable for bags for many years but with virtually all retailers changing to plastic bags the demand for this type of paper has drastically dropped. Other grades of paper that we demand have taken its place. So now Woolworths wants to get this bag paper again. It takes time to alter production schedules especially after the use of old growth forests has caused the closure of a paper machine making white papers which has affected all production at Maryvale. Bag paper requires long fibre for strength which comes from plantation pine trees but still need some short fibre from old growth to give the paper the required properties for the bag paper.
Blame Woolworths and all the other retailers for virtually abandoning paper bags years ago.

 

[Cass43]

Perhaps the recycling bin???????

This short sighted person obviously cant think about recycling.

 

[Big M]

They should not have started with selling paper bags , more landfill.
Just bring in your own shopping bags , we put them straight back in the car after been to the shops and packed away the groceries. I have never , ever bought a shopping bag in the supermarket ,always bring my own . It is a waste of money and not good for the environment. It is a no brainer.!

They can be recycled!!!!!

 

[Gsr]

I remember using boxes as a kid, stuff didnt slide round in the car boot either. However to answer your question, do you remember how much space the big pile of boxes took up in the shop, the pile was huge and no shop today is gonna give up that retail space and get no financial return.

Bunnings still have huge box bays where all suitable boxes go for customer use, the only bags we have are reusable fabric ones. We use paper bags for click and collect orders small enough. Larger boxes are put up one end of the box bay for customers who use them as packing boxes when moving house. Any unsuitable boxes are crushed in our cardboard crusher and bundled up for recycling.

 

[Evol P]

I can remember when I was a kid all the groceries were packed in cardboard boxes that the shop received the stock in.

Mom would come home and say that there is some boxes in the car to be bought inside so my brother and I would bring the boxes in and put them on the kitchen table. The empty boxes were burnt in a fire (Slow combustion stove).

Can someone explain why this is not happening now this would solve a major problem.

Absolutely - all of those boxes could be used. Bunnings has a stack of them. I often get a box because I need a box for some reason.

 

[Evol P]

Me too. I have never - not one single time - bought a bag from the supermarket.
I made my own singlet bags from nylon and I have a selection of the "green" bags that I've been given as "sample" bags etc. Its not rocket science to know you are going grocery shopping and take your bags with you. Mine live in my car and I have a little fold up in my handbag. I also use nylon produce bags.

They should not have started with selling paper bags , more landfill.
Just bring in your own shopping bags , we put them straight back in the car after been to the shops and packed away the groceries. I have never , ever bought a shopping bag in the supermarket ,always bring my own . It is a waste of money and not good for the environment. It is a no brainer.!

 

[IanB.]

We all love supporting local businesses and Australian-made products, right? Well, if we told you that Woolworths supermarket recently abandoned its plans to produce all paper bags in the country, you might be a little bit surprised, to say the least.

Now, let's take a stroll down memory lane, back to 2020 when Woolworths faced widespread criticism for producing their 25-cent paper bags overseas in countries such as China and Vietnam.

View attachment 21889

Woolworths supermarket has recently decided against producing all paper bags within the country. Image by matthiasboeckel from pixabay

The supermarket giant quickly made amends, pledging in 2021 to produce '100 per cent' of its paper bags locally, following a deal with Australian manufacturer Detpak, a South Australian-based company.

According to a Woolworths Group spokesperson in an official statement, ‘The supermarket has been working with Detpak to plan and grow local capacity since early 2020 to produce the paper bags at scale in Australia and support a transition to a 100% Australian-made line nationally.’

However, in a surprising turn of events, Woolworths has reassessed this promise, admitting that it still manufactures paper bags in China and Vietnam!

It seems that the demand for paper bags has skyrocketed recently, especially since Woolworths has phased out its 15-cent plastic bags from stores nationally.

It's important to note that a Woolworths spokesperson clarified their position. According to 7NEWS.com.au, the supermarket remains committed to collaborating with two Australian companies, Detpak and Victoria-based Opal, in order to produce more paper bags within the country.

The spokesperson emphasised their dedication to reducing plastic waste in the community by removing soft plastic shopping bags from their checkouts.

They further added: ‘We're encouraging customers to bring their own bags. However, we understand that more customers will now rely on our paper bags, and unfortunately, we are currently unable to source enough locally to meet the increased demand.’

View attachment 21890

The current production capacity for paper bags in Australia is limited. Photo by Franki Chamaki on Unsplash

The spokesperson explained that the production capacity for paper bags in Australia is limited at present, but they are actively working with the two Australian manufacturers to obtain as many locally made paper bags as possible.

This revelation has already raised a few eyebrows, as one curious Woolworths shopper noticed that the supermarket was selling bags made in different countries at the same store.

'Interesting find, two bags from the same store,' the customer wrote on Facebook. 'Have to wonder how true the Australian claims are when the other clearly states made in China. Gee, can't wait for the explanation on this.'

Woolworths has partnered with Detpak and Opal, supporting investment in new machinery to boost production capacity. This partnership has created 30 Australian jobs at Opal and 24 at Detpak. The paper used for these bags is produced at the Maryvale mill in rural Victoria.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths supermarket has abandoned plans to manufacture all of its paper bags in Australia due to increased demand.
• The retail giant faced backlash in 2020 for producing its 25-cent paper bags overseas and later pledged to produce '100 per cent' of its paper bags locally.
• Woolworths is still manufacturing paper bags in China and Vietnam and will continue to work with two Australian companies to manufacture more paper bags in Australia.
• Since 2020, Woolworths has partnered with Australian companies Detpak and Opal to increase the supply of locally made bags, creating 30 jobs at Opal and 24 at Detpak.

Woolworths' discussions with Australian manufacturers are still ongoing. It is believed that this move was not driven by customer backlash but rather by their own desire to work with Australian suppliers.

So, members, while we might not be able to enjoy 100 per cent Australian-made paper bags in our local Woolworths store just yet, we can still support the store's push for locally manufactured bags by bringing our own reusable options every time we shop.

By doing so, we actively contribute to minimising plastic waste.

Let's continue taking small actions that count and demonstrate the importance of reducing plastic waste. Happy shopping, and don't forget to reuse those bags!

On that note, how do you personally contribute to reducing plastic waste in your everyday life?

Considering how long the original WW green bags lasted I don't/didn't have any worries about them not being easy to recycle or not recyclable . I wouldn't have a problem with paying for replacements.
I basically hate the plastic bags that replaced the original WW green bag

And before you shoot me ; this how I handle my soft plastics now that it again goes to the local land fill . My idea being it will not be blown around
It's amazing how much will fit into a milk bottle --- can take several weeks to fill a bottle

 

[Mr Chips]

Perhaps the recycling bin???????

Yes, but that appears to be another waste!