Sainsbury’s has launched a trial removing plastic produce bags for loose fruit and veg.
Two stores in Lincoln and Kidlington will be the testing ground for plastic-free loose fresh produce aisles, which will help Sainsbury’s remove a further 1,284 tonnes of plastics this year.
Britain’s second largest retailer is aiming to remove the bags from its stores entirely by September.
Customers will have the option of bringing their own containers into stores or purchasing reusable drawstring bags made from 100 per cent recycled material for 30p.
Judith Batchelar, director of Sainsbury’s Brand said:“We’re pleased to be making a further commitment to our customers as we work with them to offer new ways to reduce unnecessary plastic.
“This is just one of the efforts we are making as a business and we look forward to hearing how our customers respond and adapt throughout the trial.”
According to Sainsbury’s the trial will run until August, and follows on from recent plans to introduce reverse vending recycling trials, which allows customers to return plastic bottles in exchange for 5p coupons.
With most UK retailers signed up to the UK Plastics Pact, supermarkets are cutting back their plastic use to meet the goal of having 100 per cent of plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable, as well as eliminating single-use plastics entirely.
In June Waitrose launched a plastic-free frozen fruit counter for use with refillable containers, with Morrisons rolling out recyclable paper bags for loose fruit and veg this year.
