The retail chains want to reduce the use of plastic and make reusable bags normal. “Consumers need to get used to it as soon as possible. That is why it is important that as many supermarket chains as possible participate,” says Carlijn Röell, director of the Plastic Pact NL. With this measure, the four supermarkets and Albert Heijn, also a participant in the Plastic Pact NL, expect to save around 126 million plastic bags and 10 million paper bags each year.
State Secretary Vivianne Heijnen of the environment, among others, wants other supermarkets to stop using disposable bags as well. “The less waste we all bring into the chain, the less we ultimately have to process. I therefore embrace this initiative of Dutch supermarkets.”