East of England Co-op in carrier bag reduction bid

According to the company, during the scheme that took place in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk earlier in the year 80% fewer plastic carrier bags were used and more people bought its Bag for Life.

Chief executive at the organisation Richard Samson said that with the input of customers then the company can substantially alter current trends.

“We would encourage our competitors to follow our lead and take more decisive action now to help resolve this national problem for the long term benefit of the communities they operate in," he said.

Moreover, East of England Co-op shops are also set to stock compostable carrier bags, which the organisation said break down in year when put in a compost bin.

Free bags will not be given out from Monday 8 September.