One in five Australian Shoppers opposed to Plastic Bag ban

One in five Aussie shoppers are opposed to retail giants Woolworths and Coles introducing bans on single-use plastic bags.

While the bans have been welcomed by green groups and many shoppers, research by Canstar Blue shows 20 per cent don’t agree.

Woolies introduces its ban on Wednesday, when the retail giant’s supermarkets, BWS, Metro and petrol outlets will stop offering free disposable bags to shoppers in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Coles stores will follow suit on July 1.

Canstar says more than half of shoppers have already begun stockpiling plastic bags at home, based on a survey of more than 2,200 people.

While 71 per cent of those surveyed back the ban, 21 per cent disagree and eight per cent are undecided.

Nearly half expect that taking their own bags to the shops would be a hassle.

“While the plastic bag ban is supported by most, the supermarkets can expect some frustrated customers in the weeks ahead,” Canstar Blue Editor Simon Downes said on Monday.

“While Coles and Woolworths have been trying to get the message across, there will still be lots of shoppers turning up unprepared and shocked that they’ll need to purchase one or more bags to carry their groceries home.”