In our continued efforts to reduce our environmental impact, encourage sustainable practices and provide our customers with an exceptional experience from beginning to end, we are transitioning away from single-use paper bags to a reusable bag program in 2025. Learn more about our decision to eliminate handled paper bags from our stores below and what to expect over the coming months as we make the transition.
1) Why is Kimberton Whole Foods transitioning to a reusable bag program at the register?
While paper bags are often seen as an eco-friendlier alternative to plastic, they still have significant environmental drawbacks. As a company, we want to do our part in reducing paper waste, conserving resources, and minimizing our overall environmental impact.
Weโve encountered a lot of challenges over the years finding reliable handled paper bags. They often tear or the handles break with groceries in them. Additionally, across our seven locations, KWF uses over 1.5 million handled paper bags a year, thatโs over 200,000 pounds of paper bags annually. As we evaluated our current bag challenges, transitioning to a reusable bag program was the best long-term option.
2) When does the transition take place?
Starting on April 1, 2025 customers will need to bring their own reusable bags, or weโll have a reusable bag option available at the register for $0.15 each.
3) What are the new bags made of and how long will they last?
The new bags are NWPP (non-woven polypropylene). This is a fabric made from plastic, ideal for groceries as it is durable and machine washable. The bags are made with up to 40% post-consumer waste. They are reusable for up to 120 times.
4) How much can the new bags hold?
The new reusable bags have a weight restriction of 17lbs with dimensions of 15x7x15, which makes them larger and able to handle more weight than the KWF handled paper bag which is 12x7x14 and rated for 11lbs.
5) Is the new reusable bag recyclable?
Our intention is to reduce the overall number of bags being distributed by asking customers to bring their own reusable bags. The final option would be recycling. Customers should check with their local trash and recycling hauler to see if they accept #5 NWPP bags.
6) Why is Kimberton Whole Foods charging for bags?
To encourage customers to bring their own bags and reduce the number of materials weโre contributing to the waste stream. A reusable bag option will be available for $0.15 for customers that need them. Kimberton Whole Foods is offering the bags at this price point by covering 50% of the cost.
7) Will there still be paper and plastic bags available for produce, meat, and bulk purchases? Will customers be charged for this?
Yes, we will continue offering plastic and compostable bags in our produce department, and plastic bags for meat and bulk items. Small and medium handleless paper bags will still be available for small and breakable purchases. No, customers will not be charged for these.
8) Does Kimberton Whole Foods offer other reusable bags than the $0.15 option?
Yes! We offer branded yellow reusable bags, organic canvas totes, and insulated bags. We also offer a variety of non-branded reusable bags in our gift section.
9) What can customers do with extra paper bags?
Customers can donate their clean paper bags to our bag tree, located near the checkout lanes at their nearest KWF store or recycle them with their local trash and recycling service.
10) What can customers do with extra reusable bags?
We encourage customers to donate clean reusable bags to our bag tree located at the front of the store.
11) Will Kimberton Whole Foods be offering a discount to customers who remember their reusable bags?
At this time, we will not be offering a discount for customers who bring their own reusable bags.
Together, we can make a significant impact in reducing resource consumption, keeping materials out of our waste-stream, and promoting more environmentally conscious shopping habits. We truly appreciate your help in making this transition. Thank you for being part of this positive change!
