Portuguese supermarket chain Pingo Doce has introduced reusable bread bags made entirely from cotton and manufactured in Portugal.
The launch is part of Pingo Doce's commitment to minimising single-use packaging and fostering a circular economy.
The new bread bags are available near the bakery section and come in two designs, priced at €2.99 each.
Pingo Doce offers a wide range of reusable packaging and carrying options throughout its stores, including eco mesh bags, reusable cotton bags (100% cotton, made in Portugal), raffia bags (made with 60% recycled plastic), paper bags (70% recycled fibers, virgin materials sourced from responsibly managed forests), mesh bags for fruit and vegetables, and trolleys (ideal for customers who walk to the store).
Pingo Doce was one of the first Portuguese food retailers to allow customers to bring their own packaging to all service counters in its stores, including fish, butcher, bakery, take-away, and delicatessen, effectively eliminating the need for disposable packaging.
In February of this year, German retailer Kaufland introduced reusable bags for bread and rolls in the bakery section of all stores across the country.
Other Initiatives
Pingo Doce also offers the ECO Filtrada water project that promotes sustainable and economical water consumption by encouraging the reuse of a specially designed, durable bottle, thereby reducing single-use plastic and protecting the environment.
Launched in 2018, this initiative has already been implemented in over 296 stores, preventing an estimated 510 tonnes of disposable plastic packaging waste.
Filipa Pimentel, director of sustainable development and local impact at Pingo Doce, commented, ‘These initiatives have contributed to a reduction in the consumption of disposable plastic bags and to the adoption of new habits by consumers over the years.
"We don't want to stop there. We will continue to innovate and bring more sustainable and accessible alternatives to our customers, always taking into account environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of product packaging."
