Art Bags – Nungala Creative x Woolworths

Woolworths are about fresher ways to live better. This goes beyond fresh produce and extends to fresher ways to champion sustainability. In 2023, Woolworths released their new reusable bags. Made from recycled materials, they’re leading Australia’s push away from single-use plastics. With 2,250 stores nationwide, these bags also offered a canvas that reached every corner of the country and was an opportunity to highlight First Nation voices. The designs are a collaboration with Warumungu/Wombaya artist Jessica Johnson, whose illustrations celebrate the joy of food and its connection to Country.

Woolworths wanted to encourage shoppers to go single-use plastic-free in a way that tied back to what Woolies is all about—fresh produce, fresh thinking and caring for the community. Re connected with Jessica after a search for Indigenous artists with ties to the land on which our produce is grown. Her work is rich with visual storytelling. Three prints explore the joy of food, from country to plate, with more info for each on the bottom of the bag. With these designs, Woolworths not only lowers their environmental footprint, but champions emerging artists and holds deep respect for Country.

Woolworths Art Bags are one of the most visible platforms for First Nations art in Australia. With 120k sold each week, they’ve saved countless single-use bags from landfill. And to give back where it counts, a portion of all sales go to the Yothu Yindi Foundation. The bags are incredibly popular. They have become a ubiquitous presence across the country. They’re helping people connect the land on which their food is grown with Indigenous art and stories, born from that same land. Based on this success, a new series of First Nations designs has been commissioned for 2025.

The bags are made from at least 70% recycled material, and their strap offers two different handles, to make the bag as versatile and reusable across not just supermarket shopping but everyday life. The bag range features three different artworks, titled ‘Fresh As’, ‘Journey Lines’ and ‘Landtracks’. Each piece reflects a connection to Country, a celebration of fresh ingredients, and a joyous reflection of what can happen when a community comes together around food. From the artist: “The artwork itself is an expression of that joy of eating. We call it the food dance! It’s like an uncontrollable happiness that turns into a little groove in anticipation of chowing down. Each bag has its own flavour, but is essentially a celebration of food in its own unique way.”