Eliminating Single-Use Plastic Bags from our Stores

Did you know that in all our 225 Food Stores, we now have compostable carrier bags? This, in line with our Society commitments to tackle plastic pollution and reduce single-use plastics, will ensure we eradicate 8 million single-use plastic carrier bags per year.

The move to compostable bags is part of our 1Change campaign which aims to raise awareness of the issues caused by plastic pollution and encourage colleagues, members and customers to make more sustainable choices to help reduce their impact on the environment.

The bags, which can be doubled up to use as liners for food waste bins are available in all our stores

That’s not all, the profits from the sale of our compostable bags will be donated to local good causes for our various communities. The 8 pence charge means we fulfil our Society’s carrier bag levy imposed by government but most importantly, enables our members and customers to help us support local good causes whilst providing a sustainable carrier bag solution across all our sites.

Rupert Newman, Chief Retail Officer said: “Social responsibility is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re so pleased to have reached our target of removing all single-use plastic carrier bags ahead of schedule.

It’s a really important milestone for the Society, but the fight against plastic pollution doesn’t stop here. We’re committed to keep making change and encouraging our members and customers to work with us to build a better environment for the future."

In September, the Society was named Responsible Business Champion 2020 by Business in the Community for its work to remove two tonnes of single-use plastic from its operations.