Marks & Spencer is to roll-out a GBP5p charge for food carrier bags in its UK stores in a bid to raise money for environmental projects.
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All cash generated from the charge will go to environmental charity Groundwork and be used to create or improve ‘greener living spaces’ in the UK, such as parks, the retailer said.
The move follows a trial period of charging for food carrier bags in over 50 M&S stores in Northern Ireland and the south-west of England. M&S said the trial saw customer use 70% less food carrier bags.
Chief executive Sir Stuart Rose said: “We want to make it easy for our customers to do their bit to help the environment and our trials have shown us that they want to take action.”
The move will occur in two phases beginning with all customers receiving a free Bag for Life with every transaction from 6 April. The charges will then be introduced from 6 May.
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By GlobalDataA new standard carrier bag made from 100% post consumer waste will also be introduced on 6 May.
M&S has described this as “a major step” towards its Plan A commitments.
The retailer launched its Plan A programme last year in a bid to reduce the impact its business has on the environment.
