Food retailer The Co-operative Food has begun preparing its 400 stores across Scotland for the new Single Use Carrier bag levy set to come into effect next Monday (20 October).

New legislation passed by the Scottish Government will require all retailers to charge a minimum of five pence (5p) for single-use carrier bags from 20 October 2014 in a bid to reduce plastic litter. However, the charge also includes single-use paper and plant-based bags, and will apply to anyone selling goods, even online.

The Co-operative Food, which has stores across Scotland, has been working with Zero Waste Scotland (which delivers the Scottish Government’s Zero Waste Plan) to help prepare customers and staff for the changes.

Yesterday (13 October), staff at the Co-op’s new Stirling store showcased the retail chain’s branding, such as posters and leaflets, which remind shoppers to bring their own bags to avoid the 5p charge.

The company has also signed up to the Carrier Bag Commitment, pledging to donate profits from the sale of its entire shopping bag range, including woven shopping bags and bags for life, to fund local ‘good causes’ – such as charities, local environmental projects, or social schemes.

‘Together we can reduce, reuse, recycle and reinvest in our communities’

Speaking of the work, John McNeill, Regional Stores Director for The Co-operative Food in Scotland, said: “Colleagues in all our Scottish stores have been busy preparing for the new charge, and our commitment to add the profits from sales of our re-usable bags in Scotland will ensure good causes benefit even more. We share the aspiration of reducing the number of single use carrier bags that are distributed, and together we can reduce, reuse, recycle and reinvest in our communities.”

Visiting the store yesterday, David Barnes, Litter Programme Manager at Zero Waste Scotland welcomed the new branding, saying: “With just a week to go until the Carrier Bag Charge comes into force in Scotland, it’s great to see local stores like The Co-operative in Stirling getting ready for charge coming in and helping to keep customers informed about the change as of Monday, 20th October. Zero Waste Scotland is reminding retailers and shoppers alike to be prepared.

“Shoppers can avoid the charge and help reduce the number of bags in circulation by remembering to bring their re-usable bags when they pop to the shops after 20th October.”

Barnes added that retailers wishing to launch similar branding can visit the Carrier Bag Charge website to download free promotional materials, including artwork for posters, till-points, shelves and till receipts. A staff training video is also available.

Find out more about Scotland’s carrier bag charge.