ACS

Britain's consumers are opposed to Government proposals to introduce a levy on supermarket plastic bags, according to a survey for The Times conducted by Populus.

Shoppers said they would rather see single-use bags scrapped completely than be forced to pay a charge.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) favoured incentives such as offering extra reward points at the checkout as the best way of changing shopper behaviour.

The Times survey also revealed that shoppers want supermarkets to tackle all packaging waste, rather than just focusing on carrier bags.

Nearly 70% said they wanted grocery multiples to remove all packaging on fruit and vegetables, up from 60% a year ago.

The Co-op was judged “greenest” retailer, followed by Marks & Spencer. Tesco was seen as less effective than its rivals in tackling social and environmental issues.

Only one third of shoppers said they intended to buy more organic produce in the next 12 months, but nearly two thirds said they would buy more healthy foods.

James Lowman, Chief Executive of ACS, said: “These survey results should not put retailers off taking voluntary action to reduce carrier bag usage. ACS have put together some useful advice for retailers to tackle the issue and find a way to suit their needs best. All the carrier bag advice is available on the advice section of the website, this includes downloadable posters for use in store and a poll to help them understand customer preferences.”

The Daily Mail has also conducted a poll revealing very similar results.

Also this week sees the town of Selkirk, on the Scottish Border, going 95% carrier bag free.