The UK’s largest grocery chain Tesco today (4 August) unveiled plans to financially reward customers for not using plastic carrier bags, offering clubcard points in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Clubcard holders will receive points for every bag they don’t use. One clubcard point is usually awarded for every pound spent.


“We’re kicking off the scheme with TV ads featuring celebrities to really catch the public’s attention. We’re hoping that people will respond positively and do their bit for the environment by reusing old bags,” a Tesco spokesperson told just-food. Celebrities featured in the adverts include Martine McCutcheon, Paul Daniels, Ronnie Corbett, Alan Whicker, Alan Titchmarsh and Frankie Dettori.


Announcing the scheme, Tesco CEO Sir Terry Leahy said: “Carrier bags are an important part of the shopping trip, providing convenience for millions of customers, especially those who walk to our stores. But we know that many people are concerned about how many bags they use.”


Leahy said that the scheme is the end result of research, customer consultation and testing to identify a workable way to cut down the use of carrier bags in stores.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The results of our research tell us that we have to move the emphasis away from trying to force change and on to rewarding positive behaviour. In other words a more carrot than stick approach,” Leahy continued.


“Clubcard has changed the way we serve customers over the last ten years and made us a more responsive business. Now I believe we can use it to respond to the very real concerns people have over environmental issues like carrier bags and bring about a major shift in behaviour. Our aim is to cut the number of bags we give out by 25% over the next two years – if we make it, that’s a billion fewer bags per year.”