Lidl becomes first supermarket to introduce reusable grocery bags

The discounter said its new ‘Green Bags’ would be priced at 69p for two and would provide its customers with “an affordable, reusable alternative to single-use, small fruit and vegetable bags”.

The grocer stopped the sale of all single-use plastic carrier bags in 2017, which it said resulted in 26 million fewer plastic bags being sold annually. Since then, it said it has reduced its own-brand plastic packaging by 8% per store.

Lidl has also committed to reducing plastic packaging by 20% by 2022 and making sure that 100% of its own-brand packaging is widely recyclable, reusable, refillable or renewable by 2025.

Lidl head of corporate social responsibility Georgina Hall said: “Ever since we opened our doors in Great Britain, 25 years ago, we have been strongly committed to finding ways to reduce our plastic waste. We’ve made changes – big and small – over the years to help contribute to this.

“Today’s announcement is the next step, and one which we hope will help customers shift to a truly reusable option.”