The Warehouse Group ditches single-use plastic bags at checkouts by end of 2018

Thursday, 17 May 2018

The Warehouse Group will swap plastic bags for compostable bags within the next seven months.

The Warehouse Group is banning single-use plastic bags from its checkouts from the end of the year.

In 2009, The Warehouse started charging 10 cents for a plastic bag, while plastic bags at Warehouse Stationery, Noel Leeming and Torpedo7 stores remained free.

On Friday, The Warehouse Group chief executive Nick Grayston announced all 254 stores would switch to compostable bags by the end of 2018.

Compostable bags will be free at Noel Leeming stores, but will cost 15 cents at The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery, and Torpedo 7.

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The move follows a survey conducted by the retailer, which asked customers for their views on bags.

Sixty-nine per cent of respondents said they preferred to have some type of bag available, with compostable bags the most popular option.

The Warehouse Group head of environmental initiatives Greg Nelson said the plant-based bags would meet the standard for compostability, meaning they 'disintegrate within 12 weeks in compost with no toxic effect'.

Grayston said the move was part of the group's wider commitment to the environment. Last year, the stores collectively used about 21 million plastic bags.

Retail strategist Chris Wilkinson said it was a good move by the group.

'[It] demonstrates how the retail sector has moved collectively in recognition of both environmental obligations and expectations from consumers.

'The push from these larger retailers will encourage smaller businesses to also consider their use of plastic.'

Countdown was the first New Zealand company to announce it was banning single-use plastic bags. Since then, a number of supermarkets, hardware stores, and clothing brands have followed suit.

Last week, Wilkinson likened the plastic bag ban to the move towards selling only free-range eggs.

'The consumer opinion that drives this type of change becomes overwhelming for the retailers.'