Iceland has launched an industry leading trial, removing plastic bags altogether from one of its stores, as it continues to lead the way in the fight against plastic.
The trial began in July 2019 in Iceland’s Hackney store, with customers being offered extra-strong paper bags for 15p which can hold up to 16kg. Lighter weight paper carrier bags (10p), jute bags (£1), Disney branded cotton bags (£1), and small free paper bags for meat products are also available, providing a complete range of plastic-free options for customers.
At the same time, Iceland began to trial the 15p paper bags alongside standard reusable plastic bags (15p) in North Wales, Wirral and Cheshire, covering 25 stores. This additional trial will be used to monitor consumer preference in a setting where the two options are offered side by side.
Based on current usage and estimated switching rates for the side by side trial, it is anticipated that the trials will collectively save over 210,000 plastic carrier bags from being newly purchased.
Both trials will run for six months, with the findings to be analysed throughout and used to inform Iceland’s long-term approach to replacing single use plastic carriers.
See our press release here.
