The new bags have been developed to help reduce landfill waste and were launched in stores on September 2. From date of manufacture, the plastic will start to degrade in about 18 months' time. The entire process takes three years compared to at least 100 years for standard bags.

Co-op bags degrade completely leaving only carbon-dioxide, water and a small amount of mineralisation compatible with soil. Symphony Environmental Ltd developed the bag using patented technology branded d2w, which has been proved safe for direct food contact. Fyffes and the Soil Association are also customers.

Symphony Environmental sees the development as a significant first move in the introduction of degradable plastics to all UK grocery consumers.

During independent research carried out last month, 90 per cent of UK consumers questioned said it was important to them that the supermarket they used was concerned about the effect it had on the environment.

'We are delighted to be the first British retailer to bring this bag to market,' said the Co-op's Sue Bromley.

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