Tesco cuts plastic bag use by 40%

The UK’s largest retailer said Malaysia became the first country outside the UK to launch Green Clubcard points in Tesco stores to help persuade customers to use fewer bags.

Under the scheme, customers who re-use plastic bags or find alternative ways to carry their shopping receive Green Clubcard points that can be redeemed against food or a range of different services.

In other ‘green’ initiatives, Tesco said it would this month open the first recycling centre outside its Warsaw store in Poland that will accept all types of materials from batteries to large home appliances.

Tesco reported an increase of 11% in pre-tax profit to £1.4bn this morning (30 September) on group sales of £28bn, up 14%.

Excluding petrol, like-for-like sales in the UK rose by 4% in the 26 weeks to 23 August 2008.

Tesco chief executive Terry Leahy said the retailer was “at its best in tough markets” and could respond to the changing needs of customers.

“That’s why we have been able to make good progress this year, despite facing into poweful economic headwinds and carrying planned start-up losses in the US,” he said.

Tesco has responded to tighter household budgets by introducing nearly 400 ‘Discount Brands at Tesco’ products with new branding and packaging.

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