01 May 2008


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Asda removes single-use bags from checkouts

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Asda to remove single-use carriers from checkouts 06 Mar 2008

Asda is to roll out a scheme to remove single-use carrier bags from checkouts across its 355 stores, after a trial that saw usage cut by 40%.

Asda bag-free checkouts trial

Paul Kelly, corporate affairs director for Asda said there had been a dramatic rise in the purchase of re-useable bags since the beginning of the six-store trial, with an increase of 1,200% across the stores taking part.

During the trial Asda saw an average 40% reduction in the number of single-use carrier bags used by customers.

From 1 June all single-use carrier bags at Asda will be removed from view and placed under the direct control of each checkout operator, encouraging customers to choose a 'bag for life' instead.

Customers who choose a re-usable bag could soon be rewarded with money off their weekly shop, said Asda.

Kelly said: "We are the first retailer to take this bold step and completely remove carrier bags from our checkouts. Between now and June we will be retraining all our checkout colleagues, talking to our customers about the changes, and installing new units for the reusable and 'bags for life'.

"Many of our customers will begin to see the difference in May, with the full roll-out completed the first week of June. The trial has had glowing feedback from customers who have been calling for someone to step up and take the lead on this."

He added: "We are also trialling an incentive scheme that will give customers money off their shopping. We believe this is the best way to encourage them to change the habit of a lifetime and start reusing their bags instead."

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