Tesco said that from 28 August 2017, it will replace single use carrier bags with a new ‘Bag for Life’ made from 94% recycled plastic.
The new bag will be priced at 10p and sales of the bag will fund community projects across the UK.
Prior to the announcement, Tesco has conducted a 10-week trial in Aberdeen, Dundee and Norwich in May.
During this trial, the company noticed that there is drop in sales of bags in trial stores by 25%.
Customers bought significantly fewer bags and found that the Bag for Life, which is replaceable for free if damaged, helped them move to re-useable bags.
Replacement of single use carrier bags might show a considerable drop in the sale of bags but will help in reducing litter and number of bags sent to landfill.
Tesco UK and ROI CEO Matt Davies said: “The number of bags being bought by our customers has already reduced dramatically.
Today’s move will help our customers use even fewer bags but ensure that those sold in our stores continue to fund thousands of community projects across the country chosen by customers.”
Matt further added: “It’s the right thing to do for the environment and for local communities.”
Currently, Tesco is providing single use carrier bags and bagless delivery options for its online customers and 57% of them are making use of this facility.
Tesco said that sale of new bag for life will fund Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme. Customers’ can choose their favorite local project by picking up a blue token at the checkout each time they shop.
Based on the customers voting funds are granted for the development of local community projects across Great Britain through the help scheme.
Tesco has also announced that it will remove single-use wine carriers and bring down the price of its carry me bottle bag from £1 to 40p.
Image:Tesco replaces single use carrier bags with new Bag for Life. Photo: courtesy of Tesco PLC