A total of 6.4 billion single-use bags were used by supermarket customers across the UK in 2010, it was reported today by WRAP.
The figure compares with 10.7 billion single-use bags being used in 2006 when figures were first recorded (an overall reduction of 40%). However, it represents a 5% increase compared to the total number of single-use bags used in 2009/2010 when 6.1 billion bags were used.
The figures show that on average people now use 8.6 single-use bags per month, compared to 14.7 bags per month back in 2006 and 8.2 bags per month between June 2009 and May 2010. There are differences across the nations of the UK with Northern Ireland recording the lowest bag use per person.
Overall, a total of 6.8 billion carrier bags (including single-use, bags-for-life and reusable bags such as those made from cotton and jute) were used in 2010. This figure compares with 10.9 billion bags being used in 2006 (an overall reduction of 37%). However, it represents a 6% increase compared to the total number of bags used in 2009/2010 when 6.5 billion bags were used.
There has been a 61% reduction in the amount of virgin polymer used in all carrier bags since 2006, indicating that bags contain more recycled content.
The figures are set against a back-drop of 8% sales volume growth by participating supermarkets between 2006 and 2010.
Context
In 2008 the UK Governments, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and leading supermarkets agreed to a voluntary approach to cut the number of single-use bags given to customers by 50% by spring 2009.
In May 2009, when the formal agreement ended, WRAP reported that retailers had cut the number of single-use bags by 48%. There is no current sector target for carrier bag use in place although there is an agreement to provide figures to WRAP on an annual basis.
WRAP’s role has been to monitor the progress of the agreement through data collection and analysis, and to report carrier bag use across the sector as a whole.
The following tables show:
- Annual figures for total bag use for 2006, 2009/10 and 2010
- Annual figures for single-use bags for 2006, 2009/2010 and 2010
- Figures for average monthly single-use bag use per person
Note: rounding may cause discrepancies between the figures
1. Annual figures for total bag use
| 2006 (baseline) | June 2009 - May 2010 | January - December 2010 | Number and % change from 2006 - 2010 | Number and % change from 2009/10 - 2010 | |
| UK | 10.9 billion | 6.5 billion | 6.8 billion | 4.1 billion (-37%) | 0.3 billion (6%) |
2. Annual figures for single-bag use
| 2006 (baseline) | June 2009 - May 2010 | January - December 2010 | Number and % change from 2006 - 2010 | Number and % change from 2009/10 - 2010 | |
| UK | 10.7 billion | 6.1 billion | 6.4 billion | -4.2 billion (-40%) | +0.3 billion (+5%) |
| *England | Not measured | 5 billion | 5.3 billion | n/a | +0.3 billion (+7%) |
| *Scotland | Not measured | 540 million | 590 million | n/a | +50 million (+9%) |
| *Wales | Not measured | 353 million | 329 million | n/a | -25 million (-7%) |
| *Northern Ireland | Not measured | 189 million | 163 million | n/a | -26 million (-14%) |
*Following changes in retailer reporting, national splits should be regarded as indicative only. To better understand changes in national carrier bag use, all the main supermarket retailers would need to report carrier bag use split by nation.
3. Figures for average monthly single-use bag use per person
| 2006 (baseline) | June 2009 – May 2010 | January – December 2010 | |
| UK | 14.7 | 8.2 | 8.6 |
| England | Not measured | 8.1 | 8.6 |
| Scotland | Not measured | 8.7 | 9.4 |
| Wales | Not measured | 9.8 | 9.1 |
| Northern Ireland | Not measured | 8.8 | 7.5 |
- WRAP’s vision is a world without waste, where resources are used sustainably. We work with businesses and individuals to help them reap the benefits of reducing waste, develop sustainable products and use resources in an efficient way.
- Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by government funding from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- The data includes results from Asda, Cooperative Group (including Somerfield), M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. Morrisons participated in both 2010 and 2011 carrier bag reviews and fully disclosed figures to WRAP. This data has not been included in the sector results in order to maintain continuity of reporting and ensure confidentiality of data.
- Further information on bags can be found at www.wrap.org.uk/bags.
For further statistical information contact
Paul Saville PR Officer WRAP
Tel: 01295 619638
For media enquiries relating to the retail sector
Sarah Cordey, British Retail Consortium
Tel: 020 7854 8920
Individual retailers and UK Governments should be contacted directly
