Bradford, England, 2015-10-1 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Morrisons Foundation predicts an increase in the number of grants awarded following the introduction of the Single Use Carrier Bag charge on Monday 5th October. The charge in Morrisons stores is expected to raise an estimated £5m windfall for good causes when it is introduced next week.
The carrier bag legislation requires the retailer to charge customers 5p for every single use carrier bag used during a shop. Morrisons has committed to donating income from the charge to its charitable foundation which will offer grants to local charities across the country.
In the run-up to the introduction of the charge, Morrisons has helped customers prepare by:
- * Displaying information in stores to remind customers.
- * Checkout staff have also been telling customers about the charge.
- * Introducing measures to encourage customers to switch from single use carrier bags to reusable bags including reducing the price of its Bags for Life from 12p to 10p.
- * Launching a new range of reusable bags including classic woven bags, durable cotton bags, a convenient packable bag and insulated options ideal for chilled or frozen products.
In Scotland and Wales, where a similar charge is already in force, Morrisons has seen around an 80% reduction in the use of single use carrier bags.
Morrisons Group Corporate Services Director, Martyn Jones said: “This is a big change for customers and we are working hard to make our shoppers aware of the charge and provide them with a choice of reusable bags. However, the charge will be a boost for local charities across the country and help them to deliver projects that will make a real difference in their communities.”
The Morrisons Foundation was established earlier this year to provide grants to both local and national charities carrying out projects that improve people’s lives. To date the Foundation has awarded over 100 grants totalling around £650,000. In addition, some proceeds generated from the single use carrier bag charge will be donated to Morrisons curent charity partner, Sue Ryder.
Funds raised from Morrisons online deliveries will support a recycling initiative which will reprocess used online delivery bags into new carriers.
Media contact
For all media enquiries call
0845 611 5111
Available 24 hours