Locally-made paper carry bags are now available for purchase in more than 400 Woolworths stores across Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia.
In an effort to support local industry and jobs, Woolworths has partnered with family-owned Australian manufacturer Detpak to produce the locally-made bags, which first launched in South Australia and Northern Territory late last year.
Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director, Natalie Davis, said the multi-million dollar deal with Detpak represents a significant investment in local manufacturing, which will create around 25 new Australian jobs.
“Last year we introduced the option of a paper bag, which can be recycled at home, and the feedback from customers has been positive,” she said.
“As paper bags are now a permanent part of our range, we’re working to support new Australian jobs in partnership with local manufacturer Detpak.
“Our proudly Australian made bags are the result of Detpak’s hard work to build the local capacity needed to supply hundreds of our stores across the country.
According to Ms Davis, the progressive rollout will see the bags available in all states by the end of the year.
“The launch of the bags in Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia will provide a welcome boost for local manufacturing, which we’ll continue to build on as we roll them out to all parts of Australia by the end of the year.”
CEO of Detpak’s parent company Detmold Group, Alf Ianniello said the bag is made from 70% recycled paper in conjunction with un-recycled paper to provide a stronger structure which can carry up to 6kg of groceries.
“Detpak is proud to be continuing its strong history in local manufacturing,” he continued.
“This project is significant in its support of employment of Australians, but also in its extension of Australian manufacturing.
“As part of localising the manufacture of these bags, we have commissioned additional machines, doubling our domestic carry bag production capacity.”
