Shoprite to pay customers for reusing plastic bags
Shoprite, SA’s biggest supermarket chain, said on Tuesday it will pay customers for reusing its newly introduced recyclable bags as it joins domestic rivals in efforts to curb plastic pollution. Supermarkets have come under increased pressure to cut their use of plastic as images of littered oceans and beaches become commonplace, shocking consumers and shareholders. SA does not have a law banning plastic bags. However, to reduce littering and discourage customers from buying them, the government increased the plastic-bag levy in April by 50% to 12c per bag. Shoprite said every time a customer reuses its new 100% recycled and recyclable plastic bag, which retails for R3, at Shoprite and Checkers stores, they will get 50c off their grocery purchase. “Changing consumer behaviour by rewarding customers for reusing bags is a critical part of the retailer’s efforts to reduce plastic waste,” it said in a statement. The retailer added that packaging of broccoli, cauliflower, baby marrows, p...
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