Boots scraps plastic carrier bags in 53 stores
Boots has said it will begin to replace plastic carrier bags with unbleached brown paper bags in all of its stores across the UK.
Read more: Boots mulling more than 200 possible store closures
The heath and beauty chain said the new bags will be brought in from today at 53 stores, with plans for a full rollout by early next year.
The process will remove more than 900 tonnes of plastic from Boots store operations each year, the firm said.
“Plastic waste is undoubtedly one of the most important issues around the world today with TV shows like Blue Planet highlighting the effects of plastic pollution,” said Seb James, senior vice-president and managing director at Boots UK
“This year, we are transforming Boots as we celebrate 170 years, and the move to unbleached paper bags is another pivotal moment in that journey.”
The moves makes Boots the first national health and beauty retailer to move to paper bags as standard, and the first national pharmacy chain to use unbleached paper dispensing bags.
Read more: Boots blames weak retail conditions for fall in UK sales
Customers will be able to purchase a small, medium or large paper bag for 5p, 7p or 10p, with all profit donated to charity partner BBC Children in Need.