Asda to scrap 5p bags in a bid to reduce plastic

Supermarket Asda will be scrapping 5p bags by the end of the year, as it sets out plans to reduce plastic use.

Asda has become the first of the ‘big four’ supermarkets to set out detailed plans about how it will reduce its use of plastic.

The supermarket, which has a 15.3% market share in the UK has also said it wants to create a more collaborative, open environment within the retail industry to help drive innovation and “unwrap” the plastics problem.

In a document published on its website today – ‘Plastic Unwrapped – our pledge to use less and recycle more’ – Asda has promised its customers that it will reduce the amount of plastic in its packaging by 10% this year, as well as work with its suppliers and other experts to investigate new options to replace plastic packaging and find more recyclable solutions.

As well as phasing out 5p ‘single use’ carrier bags, the retailer will also be removing all single use cups and cutlery from it’s offices, stores and cafes.

Asda’s president and chief executive, Roger Burnley, outlined his commitment to reducing plastic in a blog published alongside the ‘Plastic Unwrapped’ report.

In it he says: “I truly believe that when you serve 18 million people each week and have the ability to make a difference to them, you should do it.

“I want Asda’s customers to know that they can trust us to take the lead on the issues that really matter to them. So we have challenged ourselves to look at what more we can do to reduce the amount of plastic in our business, and within our industry as a whole.”