A 5p charge on single-use plastic bags has dramatically reduced consumption.
- The annual use of carrier bags at leading UK supermarkets dropped from 7.6 billion in 2014 to 133 million in 2022.
- The average English consumer now purchases just two single-use bags annually from these retailers.
- Charges for plastic bags have increased across the UK, with significant variations by region.
- Greenpeace criticises current delays in broader plans to tackle single-use plastic waste.
A 5p charge on single-use plastic bags, first introduced by English supermarkets in 2015, has resulted in a staggering 98% decline in their usage. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the distribution of such bags by seven major UK supermarkets fell from 7.6 billion in 2014 to merely 133 million in 2022, underscoring the significant environmental impact of policy-driven behavioural change.
Consumers have altered their habits significantly, as evidenced by the average purchase of just two single-use bags annually from leading supermarkets. This remarkable shift highlights the effectiveness of economic deterrents in environmental conservation campaigns.
Regional differences in bag charges further accentuate the nationwide commitment to reducing plastic waste. Wales pioneered the initiative with a 5p charge in 2011, followed by Northern Ireland in 2013, which now imposes a 25p fee, and Scotland in 2014, with current charges set at 10p. The escalation reflects ongoing efforts to encourage sustainable consumer behaviour across the UK.
In a statement to the press, Nina Schrank, head of Greenpeace UK’s plastic campaign, hailed the success of the charge but criticised the government’s recent postponement of expanded measures against single-use plastic. She remarked, “The success of the plastic bag charge shows that when the government takes real action it gets results and the public gets on board.” Her comments come in light of Defra’s decision to delay its extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme, which faces industry pushback amid concerns of increased food prices.
Initially announced in 2018 and slated for introduction in April 2024, the EPR scheme’s implementation has been deferred to no earlier than October 2025. This delay has prompted discussions on the balance between environmental responsibility and economic implications, as stakeholders evaluate the broader impact on the grocery sector.
The success of the plastic bag charge exemplifies the power of policy in driving environmental change while highlighting the need for continued progress and innovation.
