Southern Co-op has removed all single-use carrier bags and plastic bags for life in a bid to encourage customers to make the greener choice.
Plastic bags for life are replaced with durable fold away bags to incentivise shoppers to reuse them instead of treating them as single-use.
The symbol group retailer will offer compostable carrier bags for 10p, which is more environmentally friendly and has a secondary use as a food waste caddy liner.
The switch has taken place in several stores, with more changeovers set to take place over the next month as stores work through the remaining stock of existing bags.
READ MORE: Southern Co-op cuts down on food waste with Too Good To Go partnership
“For years we have been asking our customers and members to bring bags with them so this is naturally the next step – removing the option of buying single-use plastic bags or using a plastic bag for life as the next cheapest alternative.” Southern Co-op director for sustainability and communications Gemma Lacey said.
“We have a duty to act against climate change and to give our customers a way to be more environmentally responsible.
“However, as our stores are based on convenience, we understand that people might not be carrying a bag with them, so the compostable bag is a more responsible alternative to plastic.
The news comes as part of the supermarket’s sustainability targets, including cutting all greenhouse gas emissions from its business by 2030.
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