In a world where sustainability is becoming a priority, it's no surprise that supermarkets are looking for ways to encourage shoppers to reduce the use of single-use plastic.

Woolworths, one of Australia's leading supermarket chains, recently made headlines with its latest initiative in collaboration with a world-renowned designer.

This move immediately sparked discussions among Aussie consumers nationwide.

Woolworths worked with British designer Anya Hindmarch to sell a 'next-level' reusable shopping bag.

The bag, called The Universal Bag, was part of a global effort to offer 'durable, reusable, 100 per cent recycled and recyclable' shopping bags.

First launched in 2021, the bag has been designed to drive meaningful change across the retail industry.

The Woolworths Universal Bag was teased on Anya Hindmarch's website, along with other variants. Image Credit: Anya Hindmarch

Woolworths' partnership with Anya Hindmarch marked the brand's introduction to the Australian market.

The bags are now available in over 600 Woolworths stores nationwide and retail for $20.

Anya Hindmarch also designed shopping bags for several retailers in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Japan.

The initiative has also saved over 230 tonnes of virgin plastic from landfill.

Some shoppers expressed their excitement over the collaboration with Anya Hindmarch.

However, others had several questions about the sudden announcement.

'So many questions, but let's start with why wouldn't this come from an Australian designer,' a curious shopper asked online.

'Shame there are no good Australian designers,' another quipped sarcastically.

'Couldn't Woolies find an Australian designer?' a third lamented.

The bag's price point also became a topic of contention.

Amidst a cost of living crisis, some consumers found the bag's price tag excessive, especially for a non-insulated shopping bag.

Despite the bag's 10-year guarantee and its eco-friendly credentials, the debate over its value for money continued.

Woolworths, along with Coles, has already phased out free single-use plastic bags.

Since then, both supermarkets have introduced a variety of reusable 'bags for life' for their customers.

Both stores also carry 100 per cent recycled brown paper bags as an alternative for those who do not have their bags with them.

Australia has been moving to more eco-friendly solutions as of late.

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Australia has the highest consumption of single-use plastic in the world, with only 14 per cent of it being recycled.

Woolworths Group has set ambitious sustainability goals, including sourcing 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025.

The supermarket also aimed for zero food waste to landfill and reduction of their emissions by 63 per cent by 2030.

The introduction of The Universal Bag could be a step towards addressing the challenge of single-use plastics in the retail industry.

However, the mixed reactions from consumers highlighted the complexities of implementing sustainable practices that satisfy both environmental and economic concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths has partnered with British designer Anya Hindmarch to introduce The Universal Bag, a reusable shopping bag.
• The Universal Bag was designed to be durable, 100 per cent recycled and recyclable, and is priced at $20.
• Some Australians expressed disappointment that Woolworths did not collaborate with a local designer for this initiative and its price point.
• Anya Hindmarch's Universal Bag initiative has a sustainability focus and is part of Woolworths' broader effort to address plastic pollution and promote environmental responsibility.

We invite our readers to share their thoughts on Woolworths' new reusable bag. Is it a step in the right direction for sustainability, or is it missing the mark? Let us know your opinions in the comments section below!

 

[Leenie]

They conned people they were doing away with plastic , and are now selling it to the gullible people , once it was free now you pay to have groceries packed in it. No way is this bag worth the money they are charging ,it can stay on the shelf far as I’m concerned.

 

[Teddy is my boy]

Maybe supermarkets should concentrate on getting rid of food prepackaged in plastic in their bakeries and fruit and veg departments first

 

[Gunpark]

I have two large bags I bought when this "do away with plastic bags" started years ago. I have no recollection of what they cost, probably 50c each at that time, when other bags were 20c each. They are used at least once and sometimes twice a week and can carry big loads without giving up. Come on Woolworths make some more of these. Even at a dollar a time they are still good buying.

 

[Colette 3799]

I have two large bags I bought when this "do away with plastic bags" started years ago. I have no recollection of what they cost, probably 50c each at that time, when other bags were 20c each. They are used at least once and sometimes twice a week and can carry big loads without giving up. Come on Woolworths make some more of these. Even at a dollar a time they are still good buying.

I’ve had my bags for around five years, maybe longer. I use them constantly. I stick them in the washing machine regularly and they look like brand new. They are so good that I bought replacements which have never been used as these last so long. The checkout operators often comment on how good they are. I won’t be buying the new Woolies one. They say it will last ten years but won’t it get a bit smelly by then as I doubt it will go in the washing machine lol

 

[Caron]

I brought reusable cotton bags when plastic bags were supposedly banned. They are great, strong and totally washable.

 

[Leenie]

I have two large bags I bought when this "do away with plastic bags" started years ago. I have no recollection of what they cost, probably 50c each at that time, when other bags were 20c each. They are used at least once and sometimes twice a week and can carry big loads without giving up. Come on Woolworths make some more of these. Even at a dollar a time they are still good buying.

I have several of the green bags from woolies ,bag for good ones ,the best they had then discontinued. Replaced if damaged , should be brought back.

 

[Macarj]

I have several of the green bags from woolies ,bag for good ones ,the best they had then discontinued. Replaced if damaged , should be brought back.

You can still get the plastic green bags replaced if damaged

 

[Leenie]

You can still get the plastic green bags replaced if damaged

I get out the Janome and sew up the the parts the come undone .I had no idea they still replace them . Only trouble they are not washable, you can only wipe them over with a damp cloth. When the black plastic base breaks I replace it with cardboard. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Viellarde]

Just what had been missing from my co-ordinated looks. A $20 designer bag for my shopping!
I still have string bags and cloth bags from the 60's, together with the more recent green or blue bags that easily fall apart. Yes, I'm allergic to spending.

 

[magpie1]

I'm sure that our smart Australian ladies could whip up something better than this recycled muck on their own sewing machines at home using some durable, washable fabric for a lot less....and with a large choice of materials they could come up with their own personal look....and doubt it would cost nowhere near $20 per unit.

 

[marni]

I'm sure that our smart Australian ladies could whip up something better than this recycled muck on their own sewing machines at home using some durable, washable fabric for a lot less....and with a large choice of materials they could come up with their own personal look....and doubt it would cost nowhere near $20 per unit.

So you haven’t heard of tailors etc. Men can see just as well. Give it a try.

 

[Christine H.]

Who are they kidding. They usual advertise on it, so we pay to advertise for them. What a joke.