The biggest supermarkets in the UK will cut plastic bag use by half before next Easter, they have said.
Retailers were speaking after Waitrose and Asda told a commons committee that they are on track to limit plastic bags after putting them under the counter.
Justin King, Sainsbury’s chief executive, told the BBC the firm has measures in place to ensure customers continue to re-use bags.
“We hope our new texting reminder service will drive change in a practical way that helps customers change their bag usage habits,” he said.
Head of sustainability and ethics at Asda Justin Walker-Palin added: “We’re aiming for a 50% reduction by next Easter.”
Tesco and Morrisons also said that they are also cutting down on the number of plastic bags used in stores.
Yesterday, the Association of Convenience Stores welcomed the decision by London authorities to withdraw the Shopping Bag Bill.
In August, Tesco said it would be pushing plastic bags under the counter.
