Iceland to re-introduce 10p paper bags in a bid to slash plastic waste

ICELAND is bringing back old-style paper bags in the latest move in the fight against plastic.

The trial will see whether shoppers are happy to pay 10p for an alternative to single use plastic carrier bags.

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It comes after the firm’s pledge to eliminate plastic packaging from all its own-label products by the end of 2023.

The trial will run for eight weeks in Iceland’s stores across the Merseyside region.

Since the Government’s 5p levy on single use carrier bags, usage has dropped by 80 per cent.

But Iceland says it still hands out three million a week to customers who forget their own bags or don’t mind paying the fee.

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Iceland Managing Director Richard Walker said: “We have received widespread support since announcing our intention to eradicate plastic packaging and we know that customers support our move to reduce single use plastics.

“We’re already taking steps to deliver on our commitment to remove plastics, and of course single use carriers are a significant part of the plastic we have in store, used by our customers every day.

“The trial will provide us with an in-depth insight into how we can remove single use carrier bags, while offering an alternative that is fit for purpose and works for our customers. There are 12 million tonnes of plastic entering our oceans every year¹, and this is just one way we will empower our customers to make a difference.”

Morrisons announced in June it would pack produce in paper rather than plastic.