Cutting back on carrier bags
New figures released today by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) show that the UK’s leading high street and grocery retailers have exceeded a voluntary target to reduce the environmental impact of carrier bags by 25 per cent by the end of 2008.
Since 2006, retailers have delivered a 40 per cent reduction in the environmental impact of carrier bags, as measured by the reduction in the amount of virgin plastic used. Retailers have achieved this by reducing the number of carrier bags issued, increasing recycled content used and reducing carrier bag weight.
The target to reduce the environmental impact of carrier bags was part of an agreement with the Government and industry in February 2007.
This achievement also reflects the active engagement of consumers, who have helped to make it happen.
Environment Minister Jane Kennedy said:
“This is great progress made by both retailers and shoppers and shows that reducing our reliance on carrier bags is becoming a way of life. It also puts retailers well on the way to meeting the ambitious 50 per cent reduction in the number of carrier bags that they have pledged to reach by the end of May this year.”
Further information
Page last modified: 26 February 2009
Page published: 26 February 2009