Environment

The Co-operative is looking to biodegradeable materials to help reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags distributed to customers.

Three Southern Co-operative stores stopped handing out bags made from traditional polymers yesterday (31 March) and, instead, sold bags made from cornstarch for 5p each.

The move followed trials at a store in Overton, a Hampshire town that declared itself 'plastic bag free' last November.

Customers at all 107 Southern Co-operative stores will be able to purchase these bags, or a cotton bag for life for 99p, instead of taking traditional bags.

The Co-operative, which operates 2,230 stores nationwide, is also trialling home-compostable carrier bags at stores in Northampton and Hull at a cost of 6p.

A Co-op spokesman said recent initiatives, which include a plastic 'bag for life' costing 10p, had led to a 38% reduction in the number of free, single-use plastic bags it issued.

"We believe that working with the communities is the best approach and will co-operate with the government on the development of any initiatives to reduce the use of plastic carrier bags," he said.