Asda has announced it is removing plastic bags for loose fruit and veg bags from nine of its stores as part of a new trial.
The retailer said the move, which began on 7 September, could save around 141 tonnes of plastic a year, equating to over 3.5 million bags.
Instead of the plastic bags, Asda will be offering ‘Veggio’ bags, priced at 30p each to provide customers with an affordable, reusable alternative to single-use plastic fruit and veg bags.
The trial follows similar initiatives at Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.
The nine stores involved in the Asda pilot are: Harrogate, York (superstore), York (supermarket), Middleton, Killingbeck, Swansea, Bridgend, Quedgeley and Glasshoughton.
Kevin Patel, director of produce at Asda, said:“This is a really exciting step in our journey as we continue to look at innovative ways we can reduce unnecessary plastic from across the business and meet our target of reducing own-brand plastic by 15 per cent by 2021.
“We know that our customers and colleagues are really passionate about sustainability and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to do their bit for the environment, without having to compromise on quality.'
As part of its push to tackle plastic pollution Asda also recently launched the first 100 per cent recyclable blueberry punnet,allowing customers to recycle the punnets and film as a whole, without removing the lid.
Trials on other fresh lines will follow later in the year, Asda said.
