Since the introduction of the 5p charge on plastic bags, their use in UK supermarkets has decreased by a staggering 98%.
- The annual distribution of plastic bags by leading UK supermarkets dropped from 7.6 billion in 2014 to 133 million in 2022.
- On average, an English shopper now buys only two single-use bags each year from major retailers.
- The charge has increased from the initial 5p to 10p and is applied across all businesses.
- Despite this success, plans to tackle single-use plastic further are currently delayed.
The implementation of a 5p charge for plastic bags in UK supermarkets has led to a remarkable 98% reduction in their use since 2015. This policy saw the number of plastic bags distributed annually by seven leading supermarkets drop from 7.6 billion in 2014 to just 133 million by 2022.
According to recent reports, the average consumer in England now purchases a mere two single-use plastic bags per year from these major grocery chains. This statistic highlights the significant behavioural shift in consumer habits as a result of the charge.
Initially set at 5p per bag, the levy has gradually increased to 10p, extending its reach across all business types. This increase reflects the continued efforts to curb plastic waste.
The charge was first implemented in Wales in 2011, followed by Northern Ireland in 2013 and Scotland in 2014. Each region has adjusted the cost; Northern Ireland now charges 25p per bag, while Scotland has increased its charge to 10p.
Despite these achievements, further strategies to address the problem of single-use plastics face delays. Defra has postponed the introduction of an extended producer responsibility scheme, initially planned for April 2024, to no sooner than October 2025. Greenpeace’s Head of Plastic Campaign, Nina Schrank, noted the irony of this delay amidst clear results from the bag charges, emphasising the need for governmental action beyond single-use bags.
The substantial reduction in plastic bag use demonstrates the effectiveness of financial deterrents in altering consumer behaviour.
