German retailer Kaufland has introduced reusable bags for bread and rolls in the bakery section of all stores across the country.
The bread bags feature a 'viewing window', making it easy to recognise the item at the checkout, the company noted.
The bags cost €0.99 each and can be washed and reused.
"The long-term sustainability of our product range is very important to us. We are therefore constantly optimising existing products and trying to integrate reusable solutions in our shops wherever it makes sense to do so," said Julia Herrmann, head of merchandise business at Kaufland.
Reusable Packaging
In recent years, the company has implemented several measures to cut down the use of disposable packaging and the new bread bag complements its range of reusable solutions.
The company launched reusable fresh produce bags in its fruit and vegetable departments in 2019.
Last year, the retailer rolled out reusable egg boxes, allowing customers to purchase loose eggs.
It has also eliminated disposable plastic lids for some yoghurt and cream cheese SKUs from its own brands K-Classic, K-Free and K-take it veggie. It offers reusable lids instead.
"The bread bag is an ideal example of how our customers can save even more plastic in their everyday lives without much effort. This is because the [plastic] window is often not separated from bread bags from bakeries, which means that plastic and paper cannot be optimally recycled," Herrmann explained.
In Bulgaria, Kaufland has pledged to reduce plastic consumption by 35% by 2027, and is taking a number of steps to achieve this goal, including the introduction of automatic machines for returning plastic bottles and beverage cans.
