Supermarket giant Lidl has rolled out paper carrier bags to all of its stores across the UK for the first time, according to reports. Lidl has been gradually introducing paper bags at its checkouts since the turn of the year, it is claimed.
Lidl has more than 1,000 UK stores and last month announced plans to open over 50 more stores in the year ahead, as well as its first pub. The paper bags at Lidl’s checkouts cost 15p — 25p less than its cheapest plastic carrier bag and 50p less than its ‘heavy duty bag’.
Supermarkets have been attempting to reduce the use of plastic bags and packaging for a number of years, with paper as a more environmentally friendly alternative.
News of the UK-wide paper carrier bag rollout was revealed by The Grocer website.
It reported that Lidl, in line with a number of other supermarkets, last year upped the price of its cheapest plastic carrier bag from 30p to 40p.
Other supermarkets have also been introducing more paper bags to reduce the use of plastic.
Morrisons and M&S have both phased out ‘bags for life’ in their stores, according to The Grocer.
The cheaper plastic carrier bags have been swapped out for 40p paper bags.
Lidl has reportedly said it has no plans to stop selling bags for life in its stores.
Its expansion plan over the coming 12 months is expected to see almost 2,000 new jobs created, with new stores set to open in places including Warrington, Cheshire, and Thornbury, Gloucestershire.
The Express has contacted Lidl for comment.