Jun 06, 2018

  • No more single-use plastic bags at checkouts from the end of the year
  • Replaced with fully compostable bags
  • All net proceeds from the sale of compostable bags donated to charity

New Zealand's largest listed retailer The Warehouse Group is ditching single-use plastic checkout bags and replacing them with fully compostable bags, with all net proceeds going to charity.

The move will take effect by the end of the year and will be implemented across the entire company, including 254 The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery, Noel Leeming and Torpedo7 stores.

The Warehouse Group CEO Nick Grayston says the move is part of the Group's wider commitment to the community and environment, which also includes installing electric vehicle chargers at stores around New Zealand, organising and managing The Great Community Clean Up, and carefully monitoring carbon emissions.

Nick Grayston said The Warehouse introduced a charge for checkout bags back in 2009, with net proceeds given back to the local community. 'Since then we've donated close to $4 million to support kids' sports teams, food banks, disability support services - grass roots community organisations.'

'Now that we're including Warehouse Stationery and Torpedo 7 as part of this initiative, we'll be able to give even more back to the community.' Noel Leeming stores would offer a compostable bag at no cost.

'We've worked really hard to find a solution that reduces the impact of plastic bags on the environment, while continuing to support the community, and being able to offer customers the option of a bag,' said Nick Grayston.

Group Head of Environmental Initiatives Greg Nelson said they asked customers for their views on bags.69% preferred to have some type of bag available, with compostable bags being the most popular option.

Greg Nelson said the plant-based bags will meet the standard AS4736 for compostability, 'meaning they disintegrate within 12 weeks in compost with no toxic effect.'

'In addition to offering customers the option of a compostable bag, we're also expanding our range of reusable bags, so customers will have lots of options, and of course customers are welcome to bring their own bag,' said Mr Nelson.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is one charity that has benefited from The Warehouse's bag scheme, having received almost $20,000 in donations.Chief Executive Kate Bundle said the funds had gone a long way in helping to meet the needs of member families throughout the country.

'For example, one of our groups was able to contribute towards the cost of swimming lessons for grandchildren.Many local pools have swimming lessons but if you are caring for more than one child, it can be a lot out of the weekly budget.The donation ensured the grandchildren didn't miss out on the opportunity to learn an essential life skill,' she said.

'Congratulations to The Warehouse Group for continuing to support local charities like ours, while also helping to save the planet,' said Kate Bundle.

The Warehouse Group used approximately 21m plastic bags in the calendar year 2017.The Warehouse is also part of the soft plastics recycling scheme which recycles plastic bags.

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The Warehouse Group Limited published this content on 06 June 2018 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 05 June 2018 23:32:02 UTC