German retailer Lidl has pledged to be the first discounter in Germany to stop selling the standard plastic carrier-bag, in the Spring of 2017.
The move will save about 100 million plastic bags per year - the equivalent of around 3,500 tonnes of plastic.
To replace the plastic bag, the company will extend its current range of multi-use carrier-bags, nationwide.
The customer will have a choice of five options: a cool-bag for frozen products, a Fairtrade-certified, 100% cotton bag, an unbleached paper bag and two versions of the current - resource-efficient and durable - woven shopping bag.
"We want to offer our customers sensible, durable alternatives and simultaneously motivate them to take a sustainable and resource-efficient approach," said a Lidl spokesperson.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Martha Sparrius. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
