The Slovenian unit of Hofer is set to eliminate disposable plastic items like straws, plates, glasses, and cotton buds with plastic stems by the end of 2019.
All the discontinued products will be available in more environmentally friendly versions.
Code Of Conduct
Hofer recently joined the initiative of the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia to draft a code of conduct aimed at reducing the use of plastic carrier bags and plastic products.
Participants of the initiative have agreed to remove plastic carry bags from store shelves in September 2019.
As an alternative, they will offer certified paper bags and reusable bags.
Hofer aims to implement the measure by June as a part of its "Danes za jutri" (Today for Tomorrow) initiative, which promotes environmentally friendly shopping.
Voluntary Measure
The code of conduct will be voluntary and will specify which plastic bags will be sold by the signatories after 1 September 2019 at the cash tills and those that will be withdrawn from sale.
It is being speculated that consumers will no longer be able to buy lightweight plastic carrier bags (up to 50 microns), and recycled plastic reusable pouches that are less than 80% recyclable.
However, sales of recycled plastic carrier bags made from more than 80% recyclable material will continue, as well as specially marked biodegradable plastic reusable bags, suitable for composting and biodegradation.
Reusable plastic carrying bags that are more than 50 microns thick, and reusable plastic bags for non-prepackaged food will also be available.
The code of conduct is expected to be signed in the first half of May by all large retailers.
Other Retailers
Lidl was the first retailer in Slovenia to stop selling plastic shopping bags since June 2018. It is now preparing to withdraw disposable plastic products by the end of the year and replace them with recyclable materials.
Tuš replaced classic plastic shopping bags last autumn with sustainable ones, while Mercator is already offering customers bags made of mostly recycled materials, as well as reusable boxes, and baskets.
Spar Slovenia has said that it will act in accordance with commitments in the code of conduct from 1 September 2019.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
