JMK Retail launches nation's first Bag Swap initiative to help shoppers share and recycle bags - wants retail to adopt nationally

In a bold move to drive behavioural change at a grassroots level, Yamanto Central shopping centre has launched a new sustainability initiative aimed at eliminating one of Australia's most frustrating shopping dilemmas, forgetting your reusable bags.
 

Yamanto Central, part of the JMK Retail portfolio, has launched its highly anticipated Bag Swap program, an innovative, community-led solution to combat single-use plastic waste. Shoppers arriving to the centre without a bag will now be greeted by 'Bag Trees' positioned near centre entries, offering clean, reusable bags available for anyone to borrow, swap or donate.
 

The initiative encourages locals to take a bag when they need one and leave a bag when they can, creating a circular system of shared responsibility that keeps convenience and environmental consciousness in perfect balance. The program is the first of its kind and tipped to be adopted nationwide.
 

"We're not waiting for change to happen, we're building it into the retail experience," JMK Retail general manager, Vicki Leavy said.
 

"Forgetful moments shouldn't cost the planet. Our Bag Swap program makes it easy for people to do the right thing, while reinforcing our centres as local hubs for sustainable living."
 

Leavy said how often do you get to the check out and you've forgotten your bags.
 

"Yamanto Central Bag Swap is here to help. We all have an over supply but never in the right place at the right time. Next time you can return to the shopping centre and leave some of your over supply in a 'pay it forward' gesture to help the next person who has forgotten their bags," she added.
 

How it works and why it matters
 

The Bag Swap initiative accepts clean, durable reusable shopping bags including fabric, canvas and woven plastic varieties that are still in good condition. Bags are inspected and sanitised regularly by centre staff to ensure they are safe and ready for reuse. Damaged or worn bags that are no longer fit for use are collected, sorted and sent to recycling partners who specialise in textile and soft plastics recovery, preventing them from ending up in landfill.
 

"This dual-purpose system, reuse and responsible recycling, not only reduces the need for single- use plastic but also diverts textile waste from the environment, a critical step in addressing Australia's mounting waste challenge," Leavy said.

Small change with big impact
 

''It's a small change with a big impact. Australians use more than 10 million plastic bags every day, many of which end up in landfill or our waterways," Leavy said.
 

"This program helps close that loop. It gives bags a second life, prevents unnecessary waste and fosters a shared sense of responsibility among shoppers."
 

Leading the way across retail
 

Yamanto Central is leading the charge in a wave of change sweeping Australia's suburban shopping precincts, where retail convenience meets conscious consumerism. With plastic bag bans now in place across many states, Leavy believes suburban centres like Yamanto Central have a unique opportunity to make environmental solutions simple, visible and accessible.
 

"This is just the start. Our centres are designed not just for shopping, but for shaping better communities," Leavy said.
 

"We're building a retail experience that's not just about transactions, but transformation; of habits, expectations and shared values."
 

The Bag Swap initiative commenced at Yamanto Central this month and will be expanded across JMK Retail's wider network of Queensland-based centres. Shoppers are encouraged to participate, contribute bags and become part of the centre's growing community of conscious consumers.
 

"We would like shoppers across the region to start collecting your bags and get involved in the Bag Swap initiative. We are going to become the movement that sweeps across Australia, one bag at a time," Leavy said.
 

Leavy said she hopes shopping centres and retail sites across the nation follow in JMK Retail's footsteps and launch their own initiatives.
 

"The retail sector is an industry leader in this country supporting jobs and the lives of Australians. Our Yamanto Central Bag Swap program is just another example of how our industry is leading change for good," Leavy added.
 

JMK Retail centres
 

JMK Retail is one of Australia's oldest and most successful shopping centre developers, owners and managers with sites located across Queensland. JMK Retail own and manage a variety of retail properties ranging from food orientated precincts, retail strip, neighbourhood and sub- regional centres. Their centres are in key locations, anchored by long-term tenancies with nationally identifiable retailers that incorporate a wide and varied range of retailers who are primarily focused on traditional retailing, day to day household needs, dining, finance and services, medical, health, fitness and beauty.

www.jmkretail.com.au