Thin carrier bag use down 40% on 2006

The figures, released by Government waste body Wrap, were described as “encouraging” by the BRC, especially in the context of rising sales.

37% fewer bags of all types, including cotton, jute and ‘bags for life’, were handed out in 2010 than in 2006. Sales volumes rose by 8% over the same period.

The total weight of thin plastic being used has almost halved since 2006, when data was first collated, and the amount of new material being used is down 61% as retailers use an increasing amount of recycled plastic.

Despite this decline, there was a small increase in the numbers of bags given out in 2010 compared to 2009. The average monthly usage of thin carrier bags has risen by 0.4 of a bag per person over that time. The BRC said this should not overshadow the major progress made by the retail sector.

BRC head of environment Bob Gordon said: “These figures show retailers and customers are changing their habits without the need for compulsory bag bans or charges. Retailers, working with consumers, will continue to do all they can to drive down the number of carrier bags being given out wherever possible but it’s time to accept bags are not the be all and end all of environmental issues.

“Retailers are pursuing much more significant environmental issues such as energy use, waste and the impact of the products people buy. An obsession with carrier bags must not get in the way of these bigger green goals.”