Bags You Can Use in South Australia
Since 1 September 2024, South Australia has banned plastic shopping bags of any thickness, plastic laminated paper bags and lighter non woven bags. From our range, plain paper bags and calico bags are the ones you can use.
Paper bags you can use in South Australia
Kraft and coloured paper bags without plastic lamination, for retail, takeaway and grocery.
Brown Paper Twist Handle Bags
Brown kraft carry bags with twisted paper handles, in a range of sizes.
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White Paper Twist Handle Bags
Clean white carry bags with twisted paper handles for retail.
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Coloured Paper Twist Handle Bags
Paper carry bags in a choice of colours to match your brand.
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Deluxe Kraft Bags, Cotton Handles
Brown kraft bags with black cotton handles for a premium look.
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Takeaway Paper Carry Bags
Paper carry bags sized for takeaway food orders.
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Flat Paper Bags
Brown and white kraft bags for bakeries, pharmacies and small items.
Shop now ›Which of our bags can you use in South Australia?
Since 1 September 2024, South Australia has banned plastic shopping bags of any thickness. Here is where each of our bag types stands.
| Bag type | Use in SA? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plain paper carry bags | Yes | Paper bags without plastic lamination are allowed |
| Flat paper bags | Yes | Paper, not plastic |
| Calico bags | Yes | Cotton bags are allowed |
| Plastic singlet and die cut handle bags, any thickness | No | Lightweight bags banned since 2009, heavier bags since 1 September 2024. This includes our QLD compliant bags. |
| Gloss and matte laminated paper bags | No | Plastic laminated paper bags are banned |
| Our 75gsm non woven (NWPP) bags | No | Non woven bags must be at least 90gsm with sewn seams |
Certified compostable bags, woven polypropylene bags and sewn non woven bags of 90gsm or more are also allowed in South Australia, but we do not stock them. This is a general guide, not legal advice. Check the South Australian Government bag guidelines for full details.
Calico bags and custom printed bags
Cotton calico bags are allowed in South Australia. Printed paper and calico bags are made to order: send us an enquiry and we will quote.
Calico Carry Bags
Natural cotton bags with two handles that customers keep and reuse.
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Calico Shoulder Strap Bags
Long handles for carrying over the shoulder.
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All Calico Bags
Two handle, shoulder strap and drawstring calico bags in one place.
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Printed Brown Paper Bags
Brown kraft carry bags printed with your logo. Enquiry only.
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Printed White Paper Bags
White paper carry bags printed with your logo. Enquiry only.
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Printed Calico Bags
Calico bags printed with your logo. Enquiry only.
Enquire now ›What the South Australian plastic bag ban covers
South Australia banned lightweight plastic shopping bags in 2009. On 1 September 2024 the ban was extended to heavyweight plastic film bags thicker than 35 micron, paper or cardboard bags laminated with plastic, and non woven polypropylene bags that are heat sealed or under 90gsm. Together, this means plastic shopping bags of any thickness can no longer be supplied.
Bags you can still use include paper bags without plastic lamination, calico, hemp, canvas and jute bags, nylon, polyester and woven polypropylene bags, sewn non woven bags of 90gsm or more, and certified compostable bags that are labelled as compostable. Zip lock bags, pre-packed product packaging and empty laminated gift bags sold as products are not covered.
In Adelaide? See our paper bags Adelaide, carry bags Adelaide and calico bags Adelaide pages. To compare every state, read our state by state plastic bag ban guide.
- No plastic bags of any thickness
- No laminated paper bags
- NWPP at least 90gsm and sewn
- Paper and calico allowed
Before you order bags for SA
- Thicker plastic is still banned
- A thick or reusable plastic film bag is not allowed. This includes bags sold as compliant in Queensland.
- Check the finish
- Gloss or matte laminated paper bags are banned. Choose plain kraft, white or coloured paper.
- Non woven bags
- They must be at least 90gsm with sewn seams. Our non woven bags are 75gsm, so they cannot be used in SA.
- Charity donations
- Plastic bags used to donate goods to charities are exempt until 31 August 2027, but charity stores cannot buy new plastic bags.
Paper and calico bags delivered to South Australia
Order stock paper and calico bags online, or ask our Australian-based team to quote on larger orders and printed bags.
The easy choice for South Australian bags
Here is how we compare to the typical packaging supplier.
South Australia bag FAQs
Common questions about the bags you can use in South Australia.
What bags are banned in South Australia?
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Lightweight plastic shopping bags have been banned since 2009. Since 1 September 2024, heavyweight plastic film bags thicker than 35 micron, plastic laminated paper or cardboard bags, and non woven polypropylene bags that are heat sealed or under 90gsm are banned too.
Can I use thicker plastic bags in South Australia?
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No. Plastic shopping bags of any thickness are banned, including bags made to meet the Queensland rules. The exception is certified compostable bags labelled as compostable, which we do not stock.
Can I use your non woven bags in South Australia?
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No. South Australia only allows non woven polypropylene bags that are at least 90gsm with sewn seams. Our non woven bags are 75gsm.
Can I use laminated paper bags in South Australia?
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No. Paper and cardboard bags laminated with plastic are banned, so choose plain kraft, white or coloured paper bags instead.
Which of your bags can I use in South Australia?
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Our plain paper carry bags, flat paper bags and calico bags.
How long does delivery to Adelaide take?
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Orders for stock bags placed before 12pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day from Brisbane. Delivery to Adelaide typically takes 5 to 6 business days after dispatch.
What are the rules in other states?
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Each state has its own rules. See our state by state guide, or the bags you can use in Queensland.