Coles backflips on ban and offers free reusable plastic bags indefinitely angering environmentalists

Coles is being slammed for yet another backflip on its plastic bag fiasco, as protesters say the plan is worse than the old single-use system.

Coles implemented the ban on single-use plastic bags in stores across New South Wales, Melbourne, Queensland and Western Australia on July 1, prompting mass outrage over the inconvenience.

The backlash prompted Coles to offer free reusable plastic bags to customers until August 1, to help them get their heads around the change.

Coles announced on Wednesday August 1, the offer would continue indefinitely.

Coles will offer its reusable plastic bags to customers for free, rather than charging the standards 15 cents.

Environmental groups have slammed the move as ‘weak’.

Director of environmental group Boomerang Alliance Jeff Angel said the reusable plastic bags were almost as bad for the environment as the old single use.

‘They have a very limited life and the removal of the price also means they are more likely to be littered – something we warned about,’ he told the Herald Sun. 

Director of environmental group Boomerang Alliance Jeff Angel (pictured) said the reusable plastic bags were almost as bad for the environment as the old single use

Director of environmental group Boomerang Alliance Jeff Angel said the reusable plastic bags were almost as bad for the environment as the old single use 

‘Governments and retailers need to get fair dinkum about saving the environment from plastic bag pollution which is in the top three threats to marine animals.’

Coles defended its decision saying customers suggested they needed more time to make the transition to reusable bags.

Meanwhile, Woolworths has doubled down on its plastic bag ban, and will continue to sell the reusable plastic bags for 15 cents.

Meanwhile, Woolworths has doubled down on its plastic bag ban, and will continue to sell the reusable plastic bags for 15 cents