Materials

Morrisons is to give away 10 million free recyclable bags to customers in May as it aims to reduce the environmental impact of standard plastic carrier bag use by 25% by the end of 2008.

A spokesman said the supermarket has reduced the plastic content of its standard carrier bags and has also introduced small-sized bags to avoid use of the full-sized bags.

The supermarket offers a multi-trip 'charity bag', which is made from 100% recycled material and is also recyclable. It has also introduced two polypropylene reusable shopping bags.

Morrisons today (13 March) reported a 6% increase in turnover to £13bn, for the year ended 3 February. Its pre-tax profit was £612m, compared with £772m in 2007.

Its shares fell by 5.38p, to 289.25p, following the announcement.