SuperValu is set to become the first Irish supermarket to introduce 100% compostable shopping bags, in a move that will take 2.5 million shopping bags out of circulation.
The announcement follows the introduction of fully compostable fruit and vegetable bags in 2018, an initiative which has resulted in 2.7 million plastic bags being removed from stores to date.
SuperValu says that these are just two steps the company is taking as part of its sustainable packaging strategy to make 100% of its own brand and fresh fruit and vegetable packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.
Priced at 89 cent, the SuperValu shopping bag is 100% compostable and made from a blend of renewable raw materials. Speaking about the launch, SuperValu Managing Director Martin Kelleher said:
“Our customers expect SuperValu to help them make more sustainable choices and we’re committed to doing just that. Reducing our environmental impact on the planet is a core focus of our overall strategy to help build sustainable communities and we have already made significant steps forward in this area. We are delighted to be the first Irish supermarket to introduce 100% reusable compostable bags in-store and will continue to explore ways of reducing plastic in innovative ways, making sure we meet our pledge to make 100% of our Own Brand and fresh fruit and vegetable packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.”
The news comes after Lidl’s announcement last week that it was introducing reusable veggie bags to cut down on single-use plastic.
