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1. Why should I offer my customers an alternative to single-use plastic bags?
In 2007, Australians used 3.9 billion lightweight single use high density polyethylene (HDPE) bags. These single-use plastic bags have a devastating effect on the environment - they can take up to 1,000 years to break down in landfill and kill many thousands of marine animals.
As a retailer you can help solve this problem by encouraging your customers to say NO to plastic bags by providing plastic bag alternatives.
Providing plastic bag alternatives is also a great marketing opportunity for your store - you can print your store logo and details on your reusable bags and your customers will appreciate your efforts to be environmentally aware.
Another reason to go plastic bag free is that soon they may not longer be available. South Australia has already banned plastic bags and a significant number of retailers reduced plastic bag use as part of the voluntary Code of Practice for the Management of Plastic Bags between 2003 and 2005. Now is the time to take action!
2. I am a small business retailer who wants to offer my customers an alternative to single-use plastic bags, what should I do?
A great place to start is this website - it's packed full of information and advice, including a three-step action plan to help you become plastic bag free and important information on choosing a plastic bag alternative and supplier.
If you prefer, you can read or print the 'Users Guide' from this website.
3. What plastic bag alternative is best for me?
There are many alternatives to offering your customers plastic bags. Four of the most common are reusable polypropylene bags (similar to the 'green bags' sold in many stores), reusable calico bags, paper bags with recycled content or biodegradable bags. The best option for you will depend on what type of store you are and what kinds of products you sell.
To find out what option is best for your business, click here for information, options and our handy Bag Selector tool.
4. Which supplier should I use?
There are a number of issues such as price, availability, manufacturing process and delivery options that should be considered when choosing an alternative bag supplier. For detailed information on how best to choose your supplier, please click here.
If you feel that biodegradable bags are your best option, be sure to ask the supplier detailed questions about what their product is made of, exactly how it breaks down and whether they can provide you with data from any independent testing that proves their claims.
Once you have decided what type of alternative you need, the next step is to choose a supplier - our 'Supplier's Directory' lists some of the major suppliers.
5. What is the difference between degradable and biodegradable plastic bags?
While biodegradable bags will break down organically into a natural substance, degradable bags will only break down using a chemical additive, often triggered by light or heat.
For more information on degradable and biodegradable bags, please click here
6. I am worried about the cost of offering plastic bag alternatives. How can I get the best value for money?
Our Supplier Choice guide will help you choose a supplier that provides the most cost effective solution for your business.
One way to keep the cost down is to order in bulk. If you are an independent retailer you could pool orders with other retailers in your local area, to keep the cost down for everyone.
While the cost of offering plastic bag alternatives may seem like a burden in the short term, the benefits to the environment and the marketing opportunities they present will benefit your business in the long term. It's easy to get started and our step-by-step guide to Saying NO will help you take action today.
7. What will happen if I don't introduce plastic bag alternatives?
Whilst the voluntary Code of Practice for the Management of Plastic Bags has lapsed, the Government’s Environmental Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) has subsequently committed to phasing out plastic bags. Either through a voluntary code or mandatory charges on retailers using plastic bags, the phasing out of plastic bags is likely in the near future.
In addition to this, the EPHC’s 2009 National Waste Policy looks to provide national leadership around resource use and waste management, including plastic bags.
The fact remains that in some cases, such as for food safety and hygiene reasons, particularly in the sale of food products, it may still be necessary to use plastic bags. Try to replace these with paper bags, paper products, biodegradable bags or other options (like barrier bags). If it is practical for your business, aim to reduce you store's use of plastic bags. Plastic bag use, other than for food and safety or hygiene reasons, is an unnecessary use of resources and sends a negative message that can lead to a loss of customer loyalty.
8. How much should I charge for my reusable bags or other alternatives?
If you choose to offer your customers reusable bags or other alternatives, a 10-25 cent levy is a reasonable charge.
The success of the major supermarket chains and other retailers in selling reusable bags shows that consumers are not averse to paying a nominal amount for a reusable bag.
9. What should I say if a customer objects to not being offered a plastic bag?
While most customers will appreciate your efforts to go plastic bag free, you may get some objections. Explain to customers that you are trying to be a good corporate citizen; doing your bit to protect the environment and our wildlife from damage. Mention to customers that you happily encourage them to bring in their own bags if they are worried about paying for an alternative.
Also, let shoppers know that the government has you're trying to help customers prepare for this change.
10. How can I encourage my customers to bring back their reusable bags?
Our 'Easy steps to say NO' includes some great ideas for helping your customers remember to bring back their reusable bags. You should remind your customers to bring back their reusable bags.
11. Can plastic bag alternatives be recycled?
Whilst lightweight plastic bags can be recycled at the collection bins at the front of most supermarkets, this is not the case for polypropylene ('green') reusable bags. Try and keep using your ‘green bags’ for as long as you can.
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