Supermarkets have set a spring target to drastically cut the number of plastic bags used in the UK.

Seven of the UK's largest chains, including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Waitrose, are part of the British Retail Consortium's (BRC's) deal with the government to cut the number of plastic bags they use by half.

Plans for a tax on plastic bags have been put on the back burner while ministers wait to see whether shops carry out with their pledge.

In 2006, 13 billion single-use carrier bags were issued to shoppers by stores. Cutting that number in half would save enough bags to fill 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Environment minister Jane Kennedy said: "This is a bold commitment which will result in around five billion fewer bags being handed out.

"Supermarkets have already taken some imaginative steps to help us use fewer carrier bags and other high street retailers should look to them for inspiration.

"Of course, we can all play our part to reduce the number of carrier bags on our high streets and the government will work closely with the BRC on a campaign to help us all to do so.''

"Exciting new opportunities" are being offered to consumers to help reduce their impact on the environment, said BRC chief executive Stephen Robertson.

Supermarkets will give customers loyalty points for bringing their own bags, while some will charge for plastic bags.

Retailers also report that customers themselves are keen to reduce the amount of plastic and packaging they use.

Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC, said: "Supermarkets have been so successful in this by taking customers with them in ways they find acceptable, by encouraging and rewarding.

"This new partnership with the Government, underpinned by action across the retail sector, offers exciting new opportunities to help our customers across the UK to do the right thing. It's one more step towards reducing waste and environmental impact.''

Last month, independent retailers welcomed the decision by local London authorities to withdraw the Shopping Bag Bill.

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