Carrier bag usage down 50%

Leading supermarkets and their customers have effectively halved the number of carrier bags being used, according to new figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Having achieved a cut in bag numbers of 26 per cent by the end of 2008 – compared with 2006 figures – shoppers have increased this figure to an amazing 48 per cent reduction in Britain in just five months. Comparing May 2006 with May 2009, 346 million fewer bags were used by customers in that one month alone.
The new figures have been compiled from seven participating retailers by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).
“This is a spectacular achievement – especially as between 2006 and 2008 the seven participating supermarkets grew sales volumes by five per cent, says British Retail Consortium director general Stephen Robertson.“Changing customer habits on this scale, this quickly, isn’t easy. But it’s a huge testament to customers, who’ve switched to bags for life and cut bag usage. Hard working retail staff also deserve credit, as do our supermarket members – who’ve spent the money during these tough times to help this happen.