Plastic carrier bags will no longer be available at Calgary Co-op starting January 2020. The move aims to support the retailer’s efforts to reduce plastic usage.
Earlier this year Calgary Co-op removed plastic bags from its Wine Spirits Beer and Gas Station locations.
“We have seen a steady decrease in the number of plastic bags we sell following the introduction of our compostable shopping bag last spring,” says Ken Keelor, CEO, Calgary Co-op. “Our members are sending a clear message about their use of plastic and their desire to see it reduced at our stores.”
Customers shopping at the co-op will be able to buy compostable shopping bags for 10₵. Shoppers can also bring their reusable shopping bags. For each reusable bag used, Calgary Co-op will donate 3₵ to its Community Foundation on its members’ behalf.
The retailer said it would continue to work with partners and suppliers to research new packaging options for its products.
Calgary Co-op is a major retailer in Alberta, boasting 400,000 members, 3,700 employees, assets of CA $627m and annual sales of CA $1.3bn.
