The consumption of single -use disposable plastic bags and reusable plastic bags has decreased considerably in the Swiss retail trade. The objectives have been widely exceeded.
While in 2016, 17,781,000 single -use plastic bags had been distributed, this figure fell to 51,121,067 last year, which corresponds to an 88%drop, indicates the association of retail companies on Monday, the Swiss Retail Federation. Between 2020 and 2024, the consumption of reusable plastic bags increased from 48,846’092 to 16,214,871 units, a decline of 65%.
This decrease is explained in particular by two branch agreements passed in 2016 and 2019 between the community of interest (CI) of retail and the Swiss Retail Federation. The goal was to lower the consumption of disposable plastic bags for the end of 2025 and 35% that of reusable plastic bags from 70% to 80%.
These objectives were therefore widely exceeded and this year which followed their entry into force. Since then, the consumption of plastic bags has stabilized at low level. The awareness and mobilization of consumers have clearly borne fruit, notes the scheme of the branch.
Abolished surveillance
The obligation to charge the distribution of plastic bags remains unchanged, promises the ridge. This measure guarantees the continuity of the affected values. Some retailers, such as Aldi, C&A, Hornbach, Loeb, Lidl or Tchibo, go even further and no longer distribute any plastic bag, even against payment.
In view of this “resounding and sustainable” success, the annual monitoring of values has however become superfluous and will be deleted, indicates the Swiss Retail Federation. The goal is notably to lighten its administrative office, as well as that of companies.
In early June, several media reported that the Swiss Retail Federation planned to make the payment of plastic bags any more. “The reintroduction of free bags, a noise recently tightly peddled by certain media, has never been envisaged,” said the ridge.
This article was published automatically. Source: ATS
