GERMANY: Lidl to dispense with plastic carrier bags in 2017 | Progresiv
German retailer Lidl has pledged to be the first discounter in Germany to stop selling the standard plastic carrier-bag, in the Spring of 2017. The move will save about 100 million plastic bags per year - the equivalent of around 3,500 tons of plastic. To replace the plastic bag, the company will extend its current range of multi-use carrier-bags, nationwide. 
The customer will have a choice of five options: a cool-bag for frozen products, a Fairtrade-certified, 100% cotton bag, an unbleached paper bag and two versions of the current - resource-efficient and durable - woven shopping bag.
"We want to offer our customers sensible, durable alternatives and simultaneously motivate them to take a sustainable and resource-efficient approach," said Wolf Tiedemann, in charge of Central Operations for Lidl Germany.
The durable carrier-bag assortment will provide the company with an additional marketing opportunity and a way to showcase its commitment to sustainability. In a recently published 'position paper' the company has outlined further measures it is considering, to avoid unnecessary packaging. (www.esmmagazine.com)
