The Cabinet Secretary for the Environment Richard Lochhead has promised to work closely with retailers to tackle Scotland's over-use of carrier bags.

Following a meeting with a number of major retailers in Edinburgh, Lochhead announced the formation of a new Zero Waste Retailers Group, which will, in the first instance, consider how to reduce the number of single use carrier bags and promote bags for life.

After attending the meeting with 15 retailers, the Scottish Retail Consortium, the Scottish Grocers Federation, the Waste and Resources Action Programme and Waste Aware Scotland, Lochhead said:

“This morning's meeting with a number of national retailers was very constructive and gave us the chance to discuss the problem of single-use bags as part of the Scottish Government's zero waste agenda.

“Reducing the unnecessary use of these bags is crucial if we are going to achieve a zero waste society in Scotland.

“There is already voluntary agreement in place with retailers and a recent survey showed that some progress has been made.

“However, more needs to be done, especially if we are to avoid legislation. In Scotland last year we still used over 1 billion bags.

“However, all retailers in attendance are keen to co-operate with us and many are already taking significant steps to try and cut customers' use of bags.

“From today, the Scottish Government will lead the Zero Waste Retailers Group which will, include the Scottish Retail Consortium and Waste Aware Scotland. The Group will consider how retailers can best engage with our zero waste agenda.

“Together we will consider various options to cut bag use on a voluntary basis, such as increasing the use of long-life bags and close work with schools, community groups and local authorities.

Fiona Moriarty, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium added: “Retailers welcome the opportunity to continue to work on a voluntary basis with the Scottish Government in supporting customer action to reduce single use carrier bags.  

“Each retailer knows their customers and how to engage them so we think this voluntary collaboration is the right approach. 

“We look forward to working with the Scottish Government, building on the approaches already being undertaken by our members.”

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