John Lewis trials first plastic bag-free store

As part of a new pilot scheme, the department store chain is getting rid of its 5p plastic bags and introducing reusable click-and-collect bags, according to Internet Retailing.

The retailer said it will use the Oxford trial to learn how it could expand the initiative to other locations.

Alongside the plastic-bag-free trial, the department store will introduce click-and-collect bags made from recycled materials – helping to save over five tonnes of plastic waste.

John Lewis customers will also have the option for in-store purchases planned for home deliveries to be delivered at a time when a van will already be near their house.

China and glass items will be wrapped in recyclable materials rather than plastic bubble wrap and customers will be able to leave their unwanted hangers from any retailer at the department store.

John Lewis head of sustainability Stephen Cawley said: “Our customers have told us they want us to help them reduce their impact on the planet and that reducing and recycling packaging is key for them.

“Our message that we want customers to take away just the product that they love and reduce and reuse the packaging that they don’t will be clearly communicated throughout the shop.

“We will listen to customer feedback on this blueprint before deciding what we should introduce to other shops.”