The UK’s leading high street and grocery retailers have exceeded a voluntary target to reduce the environmental impact of carrier bags by 25% by the end of 2008.

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Figures released today by government-backed agency WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) show that since 2006, retailers have delivered a 40% reduction in the environmental impact of carrier bags, measured by the reduction in the amount of ‘virgin plastic’ used.


Retailers have achieved this by reducing the number of carrier bags issued by 26%, increasing recycled content used and reducing carrier bag weight.


The target to reduce the environmental impact of carrier bags was part of an agreement with the Government and industry in February 2007.


“Consumers deserve congratulations for these results as they clearly show we are moving away from using bags once to re-using bags often,” said Liz Goodwin, WRAP CEO. “They are also a credit to retailers who have worked hard to find innovative ways of helping us re-use our bags.”

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The data shows the initiatives have resulted in a 23,000 tonne reduction in the weight of carrier bags issued. The total number of bags in circulation has reduced from 13.4 billion in 2006 to 9.9 billion in 2008, equivalent to a 26% reduction.


Jane Milne from the British Retail Consortium said: “With this first target met and exceeded we are now working to halve the number of bags taken by May this year.”