Tesco sees 78% drop in plastic bag use as 5p levy changes consumer behaviour
The recently implemented 5p bag charge has led to a substantial descrease in the use of plastic bags in Tesco.
The retailer announced that consumers were using 78 per cent less bags since the fee was introduced in October.
Despite an Oldham Tesco actually going as far as security tagging its shopping baskets because consumers were taking them instead of paying for a bag, the initiative now applies across the entire UK.
Furthermore, Tesco is looking to dole out its bag income to local charities across the board, offering grants of up to £12,000.
Rebecca Shelley, group communications director for Tesco, said: “We knew the government’s bag charge would encourage our customers to use fewer plastic bags and it’s clearly had a huge impact.
“We wanted to do as much as we could to help our customers avoid paying the charge – the week before the charge was introduced we gave out free bags for life, and we’ve been sharing helpful hints and tips on how customers can cut down the number of bags they use."
She concluded: “We’re also working with our customers to make sure the millions of pounds that will be raised from the bag charge go towards making a real difference for our local communities.”
Environment minister Rory Stewart added: “I’m really delighted that the 5p plastic bag charge is starting to have a real impact and is raising thousands for good causes.
“Cutting the number of plastic bags we use is a small but vital step in reducing plastic waste. It will not only tidy up our towns and countryside, it will also help protect our precious beaches and sea life.”
Customers shopping on Tesco.com also reduced the number of bags they use, ‘bagless’ deliveries increasing by nearly 50 per cent.