Compostable bags are now available at 115 Midcounties Co-operative stores in areas where local authorities collect household food waste recycling.
The bags meet the requirements of food waste collection liners, meaning they can also be used as liners for food waste bins.
Developed by the Co-op Group in partnership with Oldham Council, the bags are being made available to other co-operative societies through Federal Retail Trading Services, the central buying group for UK retail co-ops.
The move is the latest in a series of initiatives at Midcounties to tackle plastic waste. Earlier in the year the retailer launched its 1Change campaign, which saw customers and members pledge small everyday changes to help protect the planet, such as using a bag for life or reusable cups for hot drinks. Midcounties colleagues have also taken part in litter picks and visited schools to educate the next generation about sustainability.
CSR manager Mike Pickering said: “This is an important step in our commitment to tackling single-use plastics. We all have the power to make a difference through the choices we make on a daily basis, and we hope that introducing compostable carrier bags in our food stores will encourage people to make more sustainable shopping choices.
“Plastic waste is a growing issue and we will continue to look for even more ways we can work with local communities to protect the environment, and review roll-out opportunities across more stores as and when councils are able to collect these bags.”
