Shoppers relying on the convenience of paper bags at Australian supermarkets may have noticed a recent issue with breakability, leading to frustration at the checkout.

But what exactly went wrong? Woolworths has acknowledged a flaw with their bags sold in select states, revealing some interesting details about the problem and its resolution.

Here’s what you need to know.

Shoppers in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland had been complaining about the fragility of the 25c paper bags at Woolworths checkouts.

Woolworths confirmed there had been a problem with the handles of these bags, which was caused by a 'small change in the manufacturing process.'

The supermarket chain assured the public that the issue had already been addressed, although affected bags might still be on shelves in east coast stores.

Woolworths admits paper bag flaw in select states. Image source: Dallas Kiolponen/Woolworths

'New batches of paper bags will arrive in stores over the coming weeks,' Woolworths added.

The company previously stated that its paper bags were tested to hold up to 6kg of shopping.

According to Australian Consumer Law, customers are entitled to a refund or replacement for any faulty product.

'If a customer experiences an issue with their bag, we encourage them to speak with our store team members or reach out to our customer service online assistance,' Woolworths said.

Aside from the paper bags, Woolworths also offers other sustainable reusable bag options for sale.

To see a lighthearted take on the paper bag issue, check out this quick video.

You won’t want to miss it–watch now!

Source: Youtube/CON19723​

Here’s another one.

Source: Youtube/M Hunt

In a previous story, we covered a similar issue that’s been causing confusion and frustration for shoppers.

If you’re still puzzled about the ongoing concerns with supermarket bags, this follow-up will provide some clarity.

Be sure to read on for more details.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths acknowledged a flaw with the handles of paper bags sold in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.
• The issue was caused by a 'small change in the manufacturing process.'
• Affected bags might still be available in stores, but new batches will arrive soon.
• Customers are entitled to a refund or replacement for faulty bags.

With the issue now addressed, do you think this will affect your choice of shopping bags in the future?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

 

[Observer]

If the paper bags are breaking by the time you get back to the car or getting home, I would be hoping that any broken items would be replaced should the bag give way due to faulty workmanship.

 

[Kahlan28]

Bring your own bags, it's cheaper and you know they won't break. Easy

 

[saundy]

Why can't they pack the groceries in cardboard boxes like happened years ago, I can remember when I was a kid the groceries were always packed in a cardboard box you can't get any better or greener than this the paper bags are totally useless the plastic bags are not much better.
I have my own I purchased some heavy plastic bags made for multiple uses, problem solved.
Think about it. It's like the old saying " You first loss is your best loss"
They are are ready available online and in various shops, not hard to find.

Give some thought to purchasing a few goods multi use shopping bags, think how much those disposable bags cost you, You will be shocked if you have been keep using single use bags.

 

[Jennylolo]

as checkout overload weight in single bags, even fabric and cooler bags, I can see why paper bags would not cope. They ignore weight and simply fill things to the brim regardless. Weight is not distributed. It's not hard to realise lifting can be impossible if too heavy. And what's more you present say 6 and they use 3. I complain all the time.

 

[HelenB55]

My daughter had a grocery order delivered last week by Coles.

The bags are much smaller than they use to be, and there was only a few items in each bag. She is charged for the bags, but Cokes go overboard with the few items they place in each bag. One bag only had a bag of pre-packed onions, another bag had 4 tomatoes & a loaf of bread.

Come on guys….. not only are the big supermarkets ripping off the public with the price of food, but now they’re ripping off the public with the paper bags !!!

Why can’t they use boxes?

 

[marni]

With all the rain, it’s no use buying these as soggy after putting them on the ground. Waste of money.

 

[Gunpark]

I have two of the best bags Woolies have produced. I bought them when this one use plastic bags were phased out , what five or six years ago? They are still perfectly good for what they were bought for. I maybe paid 50c or a $1 each for them and they have been used at least once a week since then with no problem. At 15c a time paper bags are useless. If these bags were brought back and were charged $2each, they would be a bargain.