Environment

Marks & Spencer has not ruled out a complete ban on single-use plastic carrier bags, after it announced it will start charging 5p per bag in all its food outlets from 6 May.

The news came today (28 February) as major retailers met with the Waste & Resources Action Programme to talk about their progress in cutting plastic bag use.

An M&S spokeswoman said the goal was to "encourage a behavioural change" away from carrier bags, and this could lead to a total ban in the longer term.

"Everything is possible. Who knows what might happen if people get on board [this scheme]," she said.

M&S also said it would start using a carrier bag made from 100% post-consumer waste, on the same day as the charge is introduced.

However, the charge will not apply to 'mini food bags' that customers receive when buying their lunch, for example.

For a month before charging starts, M&S customers will receive a free bag for life with every food transaction. After 6 May, these will revert to the usual price of 10p.

In response to the announcement, Tesco said it had no plans for a charge on carrier bags, and would continue its Green Clubcard points programme.

A spokesman for Britain's largest retailer said: "We support any moves to reduce carrier bag usage but we've had great results by using the carrot rather than the stick."

M&S is rolling out the charge nationwide following trials in Northern Ireland and Southwest England.

The profits from the scheme will go to environmental charity Groundwork, which will use the money to help build "greener living spaces" such as parks, play areas and gardens.