Foodstuffs first New Zealand supermarket group to introduce 5c per plastic bag charge

Foodstuffs announced today that it is introducing a charge of five cents per plastic bag at its New World and Four Square stores nationwide, and PAK’nSAVE stores in the South Island from 3 August 2009.

PAK’nSAVE stores in the North Island currently charge for plastic bags.

“Foodstuffs has already reduced plastic bag use by 19 per cent through the July 2007 launch of the ‘Make a Difference Campaign’, new packing techniques and sale of reusable shopping bags over the past three years,” says Tony Carter, Managing Director Foodstuffs (New Zealand) limited.

“While we have made good progress with the ‘Make a Difference’ campaign, we now need to take the next step in dramatically reducing the consumption of plastic bags. We have looked at the overseas experience in countries such as Ireland where a charge has reduced plastic bag use by 90 per cent. We have also taken into consideration the communities’ opinion and it is clear that a charge for plastic bags is the best way forward,” he says.

“We believe our customers understand the environmental reasons for introducing the charge and will respond favourably,” says Mr Carter.

A trial conducted by the Australian National Retailers Association found there was an 80 per cent reduction in plastic bag consumption once a charge was introduced, and that customers adapted quickly to using reusable bags.

“Foodstuffs has committed to the introduction of a five cent per bag charge, and while the aim of the charge is to drastically reduce usage in stores, we will be making a significant contribution to an environmental initiative, the details of which will be announced closer to the launch date of 3 August 2009. Over the coming months we will be working closely with all our owner-operators to ensure a smooth transition.”

PAK’nSAVE stores in the North Island have traditionally charged for plastic bags and customers are used to this with the majority of customers choosing to bring back their reusable bags.

New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores currently offer reusable bags for sale.