Tesco has raised the price of its "bags for life" by 10p, bringing the cost to 40p across all its stores. This move follows a similar price increase by Sainsbury's earlier this month, making the standard cost of reusable shopping bags among major UK supermarkets now 40p. The bags, initially introduced in 2017 to replace 5p disposable plastic bags, are made from 100% recycled plastic and are designed to be reused multiple times. Tesco emphasises that if the bags wear out, customers can return them free of charge to be replaced and recycled again, underlining the retailer's commitment to sustainability.

The price change has sparked mixed reactions from shoppers. Some voiced frustration on social media, reminiscing about the times when carrier bags were free or cost only 5p, arguing that reusable bags should remain affordable. Others defended the increase, highlighting that paying for bags encourages the habit of bringing one’s own reusable bags, which has become second nature for many customers. Tesco spokesman reiterated the company’s encouragement for customers to bring their own bags to minimise plastic waste but stressed that a variety of reusable options remain available for purchase in stores.

Tesco’s decision to increase the bag price is part of broader efforts in the retail sector to reduce plastic waste. Industry data from previous years shows that raising bag prices can significantly reduce plastic bag usage. For instance, a 2019 increase by Tesco from 20p to 30p led to a substantial decline in plastic bag sales, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures in encouraging environmentally friendly consumer behaviour.

Moreover, Tesco's commitment extends beyond pricing strategies; the company has integrated sustainability into its packaging supply chain. According to Tesco’s packaging factsheet, the bags are made using a considerable proportion of recycled shrink wrap from the retailer’s own distribution network, with about 80% of the bag content derived from Tesco’s waste material. This closed-loop approach reflects Tesco’s wider "4Rs" strategy—Remove, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—which aims to minimise unnecessary packaging and promote reusable packaging solutions.

The retail sector's shift away from single-use plastic bags reflects growing environmental concerns. Billions of disposable plastic bags were distributed annually before charges were introduced, many ending up in landfills and causing ecosystem harm. Supermarkets’ pricing policies, combined with consumer behaviour changes, contribute significantly to reducing this waste stream.

While the price increase is small, it comes amid ongoing debates about how best to balance consumer convenience with environmental responsibility. Industry observers note that the combined efforts of retailers, supported by regulatory frameworks and consumer awareness, remain essential to addressing the plastic pollution crisis effectively.