ACS Back Plastic Bags Ambition
28 Feb 2007
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has announced its support for an industry wide ambition to reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags by 25% by 2008. ACS, which has been working with Government and colleagues from across the retail sector since late 2006, has signalled their support for a drive to educate customers about the bags they use, and to help retailers to understand the opportunity to use less environmentally damaging bags.
James Lowman, Chief Executive said: "ACS is delighted to be part of this initiative to reduce plastic bag use by customers. Working together retailers, Government and customers can make a real difference to the amount of bags used. We look forward to working with colleagues to develop a communications campaign that will make sure customers know the benefit of using fewer plastic bags.
"It is vitally important to this effort that the Government and other stakeholders play their role in getting the message across to consumers about the environmental benefits of them changing their behaviour. The retailers cannot achieve these ambitious targets without an energetic joint effort.
"Retailers will also benefit from reducing the environmental impacts of the bag they use and we will be making sure that retailers are making informed choices in the types of bags they use in their business.
"Reducing customer bag use is win win, it reduces the environmental impact of bags and reduces the significant costs to that retailers incur in providing plastic bags to customers."
Contacts
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton Grappa
020 7486 4448
Notes to editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. This release coincides with an official release from DEFRA, which can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2007/070228a.htm.
James Lowman, Chief Executive said: "ACS is delighted to be part of this initiative to reduce plastic bag use by customers. Working together retailers, Government and customers can make a real difference to the amount of bags used. We look forward to working with colleagues to develop a communications campaign that will make sure customers know the benefit of using fewer plastic bags.
"It is vitally important to this effort that the Government and other stakeholders play their role in getting the message across to consumers about the environmental benefits of them changing their behaviour. The retailers cannot achieve these ambitious targets without an energetic joint effort.
"Retailers will also benefit from reducing the environmental impacts of the bag they use and we will be making sure that retailers are making informed choices in the types of bags they use in their business.
"Reducing customer bag use is win win, it reduces the environmental impact of bags and reduces the significant costs to that retailers incur in providing plastic bags to customers."
Contacts
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton Grappa
020 7486 4448
Notes to editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. This release coincides with an official release from DEFRA, which can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2007/070228a.htm.