Coles will be punished for their plastic bag backflip

August 1, 2018: The decision by supermarket giant Coles to indefinitely offer free plastic bags to their customers will outrage their customers and makes a mockery of their stated commitment to reduce plastic waste.  

Coles today announced they would continue to give away their thicker “reusable” plastic bags for free instead of charging customers 15 cents for them.

“This decision makes a complete mockery of Coles’ claim to want to reduce plastic waste and is a betrayal of the millions of their customers who want the supermarket to do the right thing in favour of a vocal minority,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific campaigner Zoe Deans said.

“Removing the price means that these reusable bags are far more likely to be used once and discarded.”

Deans said numerous surveys had shown plastic bag bans were overwhelmingly popular with customers and that while a small minority of people initially struggled they quickly adapted to the change.

“Coles have caved in far too quickly to a small but vocal minority and there is absolutely no doubt Coles will be punished for this decision by customers who don’t want to see plastic bags littering their beaches and killing marine life.

“We hope Coles will quickly reconsider their decision and we are calling for the millions of Australians who do support action to reduce plastic bags to get in touch with their local outlet and let them know.”

For interviews contact:

Simon Black

Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Media Campaigner

0418 219 086 / simon.black@greenpeace.org