Morrisons will trial paper containers for groceries

Supermarket giant Morrisons is a step closer to removing all plastic bags from its stores.

The retailer is running a trial with paper bags that will eventually see plastic ‘bags for life’ removed from checkouts, following its ban on 5p single-use bags.

The move will initially apply in eight stores and, if successful, it will be adopted by hundreds of others across the country.

It comes in response to concerns that many shoppers have switched from the cheap 5p bags to the bags for life, but are using them only once and throwing them away.

Removing standard plastic bags for life across all Morrisons stores would take 90 million out of the system, saving 3,510 tons of plastic a year.

Morrisons was the first supermarket in the UK to introduce paper carrier bags at checkouts in all of its 494 stores at the start of last year. 

Chief executive David Potts said yesterday: ‘We believe customers are ready to stop using plastic carrier bags as they want to reduce the amount of plastic they have in their lives and keep it out of the environment.’

The store’s paper bag costs 30p, the same as a plastic bag for life. It has handles and can carry up to 35lb. They are made at an eco-powered site in Wales.

Morrisons will continue to offer jute, cotton and reusable woven bag options, priced at £2.50, £1.50 and 60p respectively.