After five years of handing out biodegradable carrier bags, independent Government scientific research has revealed that Tesco could be doing more harm than good by using 'eco-friendly' carrier bags.
Tesco claimed that the biodegradable bags include an ingredient that makes them break down after 20-36 months which could combat the problem of the bags lying in landfill for thousands of years. However, it is now pulling them from stores and changing to new bags, which are not biodegradable but include 15% recycled material.
An independent study published last year raised serious questions about the value of the biodegradable bags, warning that the bags can litter the countryside for up to five years before they degrade, far longer than the supermarket claims. This is because they are not exposed to enough of the heat and sunlight they need to break down.
The additive used in the bags to make them break down also means that they cannot be recycled. The biodegradable bags do eventually crumble into a fine dust, according to the researchers, but concerns were raised that these particles may be ingested by invertebrates, birds, animals or fish.
Explaining the decision to drop the bags, Tesco said it was based on scientific evidence and also addressed customers' concerns that they were weak and likely to break.
In recent months, Scottish Ministers announced the start of a public consultation to limit the use of plastic bags and are considering a compulsory charge for throwaway bags. In addition, Wales will introduce a charge of 5p on all single-use bags from 1 October and Northern Ireland is expected to bring in charges from 2013.
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