Fashion retailer Superdry has become the latest signatory to Scotland’s Carrier Bag Commitment, two weeks ahead of the implementation of the bag charge.
Coming into effect on 20 October, the Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Regulations will require retailers to charge shoppers a minimum of five pence (5p) for every single-use carrier bag taken in a bid to reduce litter. The charge includes plastic, paper and plant-based bags and will apply to anyone selling goods, even online.
Retailers are being urged by Zero Waste Scotland – which delivers the Scottish Government’s Zero Waste Plan – to sign up to the Carrier Bag Commitment, which commits them to donating monies raised from the charge to ‘good causes’, such as charities, local environment projects, or social schemes, and to report on how many bags they’ve sold and how the money has been used.
Superdry shortlisted a number of good causes and asked employees in its eleven Scottish stores to vote on which cause they would most like to see the proceeds awarded to.
Tree conservation charity Trees for Life, which aims to restore 1,000 square miles of ancient Caledonian Forest to the west of Inverness and Loch Ness, emerged as the winner.
Paul Thomas, Environmental Project Officer at Superdry, commented: “Whether it is introducing efficient LED lighting to our stores or buying renewable energy, at Superdry we are always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact. We therefore welcome the carrier bag charge in Scotland as an opportunity to both reduce a highly visible source of litter and also raise money for a very worthwhile environmental cause. We would certainly encourage other retailers to sign up to Zero Waste Scotland’s Carrier Bag Commitment.
“We believe that it’s important that charities and other good causes benefit from the charge, and signing up to the commitment allows us to promote this, as well as keeping the reporting process simple. By asking our employees to choose how the proceeds will be used, we can ensure that the whole organisation is behind it.”
‘Quick, easy, transparent, and provides great publicity for your business’
Other organisations that have signed up to the commitment include Marks and Spencer, McDonald’s, Holland and Barratt, and The Co-operative Group.
Speaking earlier today (6 October), Iain Gulland, Director, Zero Waste Scotland said: “I’m delighted to see Superdry signing up to the Carrier Bag Commitment, and urge other retailers in Scotland to follow suit – it’s quick, easy, transparent, and provides great publicity for your business and the good causes you choose to support.
“With two weeks two go, we’re reminding retailers and shoppers to be prepared for the launch of Scotland’s carrier bag charge. Zero Waste Scotland backs the carrier bag charge as a means to reduce the number of single-use bags in circulation, which often end up as litter, blighting our communities.”
He highlighted that Zero Waste Scotland is offering retailers a programme of support to help them understand the charge and make the necessary changes in their business via the Carrier Bag Charge Scotland website.
Get our weekly digest
resource.co article ai
How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.