Retailers warn Andrews Government’s ban on plastic bags could lead to higher prices for shoppers

SHOPPERS could be forced to pay higher prices for products because of a plastic bag ban, according to the Australian Retailers Association.

SHOPPERS could be forced to pay higher prices for products because of a plastic bag ban.

Retailers are warning an Andrews Government environmental policy to rid Victoria of common “single-use lightweight” bags will add to costs, as other bags are more expensive.

Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman said that if a ban was widely imposed, smaller stores may consider lifting prices.

“The ARA is concerned about the impact of rising costs for consumers at all levels, and this extends to the flow-on effects of banning plastic bags,” Mr Zimmerman said.

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The Andrews Government has committed to a “single-use, lightweight” bag ban to slash waste going into landfill and waterways, and is set to reveal a start date by the end of June.

It has been consulting with businesses and the community about a “fair and effective” design, and submissions are now being reviewed.

Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman.

The ban will not include small bags used to carry meat and fruit and vegetables, or heavy plastic bags such as at electronics stores or fashion retailers.

Free lightweight plastic bags are common at supermarket check-outs, as well as many convenience stores and takeaway food outlets.

Mr Zimmerman said alternatives to lightweight plastic bags, such as reusable thicker plastic or woven fabric bags, were significantly more expensive.

Shopper Tom Wiebell only shops with reusable bags. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“Various members have estimated the cost to their businesses as more than double that of lightweight plastic bags,” he said.

Major supermarkets Woolworths and Coles intend to phase out the bags in Victoria by mid-year.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said banning single-use bags will “slash waste, reduce litter and help protect marine life in Victoria’s waters”.

“We are working closely with Victorian communities and businesses to design the ban — to ensure it works for all Victorians and our environment,” she said.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio.

While larger retailers typically charged customers per reusable bag, smaller specialty operators, discount stores and family businesses may be forced to either absorb costs or increase product prices.

Some outlets could refuse to supply shopping bags altogether, he said.

Mr Zimmerman said low-income customers, and those who forgot to bring reusable bags to shops, were most disadvantaged by plastic bag bans.

Various types of bans are already in place, or planned, in most states and territories.

About 1.6 billion lightweight plastic shopping bags are used in Victoria each year.

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