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The Co-op has removed around 60 million single-use carrier bags since switching to compostable bags last year.

More than one thousand Co-op food stores have already ditched plastic bags, with shoppers who forget to bring their reusable bags now able to make use of the retailer's 5p compostable alternatives.

Initially rolled out to areas where the local authority accepts them in household food waste collections, the bags can be turned into peat-free compost along with the household food waste. The bags are also approved for home composting.

Iain Ferguson, environment manager at the Co-op, said:“Our members and customers expect us to help them to make more ethical choices, and we are committed to doing just that. Reducing the environmental impact of products is, and always has been, at the core ofCo-op’s efforts.

'Eliminating single-use plastic is a priority, and these bags are carefully designed to help local authorities with food waste recycling and, to reduce plastic contamination in a targeted way. We welcome measures designed to make recycling simpler and more accessible for consumers, bringing together supply and waste-value chains to achieve a more circular economy.”

The Co-op’s decision is part of their wider ethical strategy which includes plans to remove all own brand single-use plastic products, as well as all own-brand removal of black plastic by next year.

Marcus Gover, CEO of Wrap Waste and Resources Action Programme added:“We absolutely need to explore innovative ways of tackling plastic pollution, but there is a balance to ensure initiatives are well thought through and avoid unintended consequences.

“I’m pleased to see this reflected in theCo-op’s approach to its compostable carrier bag initiative by carefully designing an approach that aligns with existing local collection systems. By everyone moving in the right direction, we can transform the plastic system in the UK and keep plastic in the economy and out of the environment.”