Woolworths replaces 99c reusable bags with 70 per cent recycled version

The retail giant is “running down” stock of its reusable tote bags after ditching the shopping item in favour of a new “more durable” option.

Woolworths has announced a major change to its iconic reusable bags, revealing it is switching to a new version made from 70 per cent recycled material.

The retail giant will no longer sell its green “Bag for Good” reusable tote bags, confirming stock will be “run down” across the country.

However, customers will now be able to purchase a new reusable 99-cent bag made from 70 per cent recycled material.

“We have been gradually running down stock of our green Bag for Good totes, with a sturdy new-look 99-cent tote bag set to take its place,” a Woolworths spokesperon told news.com.au.

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Woolworths is scrapping its iconic green bag and introducing a new 70 per cent recycled version. Picture: Woolworths

The item is popular among shoppers. Picture: Facebook/Belmont Forum

“Our new reusable 99-cent bag is made from 70 per cent recycled material and has already started to roll out across stores.”

The new tote bag is understood to be “sturdy” and is already available in stores in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and WA.

It will arrive in SA and NT in the coming weeks.

Woolworths said the popular paper shopping bags and other bag options will continue to be available to customers as well.

“We’ve seen a significant shift in shopping habits in recent years with 80 per cent of our customers now bringing their own bags to shop,” the spokesperson added.

The original 99-cent green reusable “Bag for Good” bags could be replaced free of charge if they became damaged, however the new bag does not have the same replace-for-free guarantee.

The green bags will gradually be phased out.. Picture: Marion Langford

However the supermarket has assured customers the bag is “even more durable” and added it will continue to honour the replace-for-free offer on any Bag for Good bags that have already been purchased.

While the move to the bags made from 70 per cent recycled material is a huge step towards making the Woolworths shopping experience more sustainable, some Aussies have already aired their issues with the change, with some asking: “Why”.

“Had to buy a bag at @woolworths yesterday. What happened to the non-woven bag for good with free replacement on damage?” one Twitter user wrote.

“The option of polypropylene bag feels much weaker. The bag for good has long been my favourite, in all the years I’ve had them I’ve only needed to replace one.”

However some welcomed the move, claiming the old bags “keep wearing out”.

Originally published as Woolworths replaces 99c reusable bags with 70 per cent recycled version