New World, Four Square and  Pak’nSave have decided to extend a trial of paper, long life recyclable plastic and reusable bags nationwide.

The move is part of a longer term sustainability push by Foodstuffs.

“Finding the right solution for customers is something the supermarkets have been wrestling with,” says Chris Quin, CEO, Foodstuffs North Island Ltd. “Multiple strategies have been in place for many years to help customers reduce the amount of single use plastic bags they have been using, but we realise our customers need more help to change the habit of a life time.”

“In 2017 New World started with Bag Vote when we asked our customers what they wanted to do – and our shoppers were clear, they want to see single use plastics gone,” say Quin. “We listened and we’re working hard to deliver on our commitment and exit from single use plastic bags from all our brands by the end of 2018.

“We know people will forget their reusable bags or get caught short, and that’s why we are trialling paper and multi-use recyclable plastic,” adds Quin. With all stores offering paper, multi-use recyclable plastic and reusable options from 1 October, Quin hopes the business will be able to take on board even more learnings as it heads towards being single use plastic bag free by the 31 December 2018.”