New shopping bags

We’re introducing new single-use and reusable bags into our food stores.

Both feature our Lincolnshire Co-op branding and community messaging, in our classic Lincolnshire Co-op blue and white combo!

Here’s all you need to know…

Environmental considerations

Our new reusable foldable bags are made of recycled materials and, if damaged, can be recycled via clothing banks.

The new single-use bags, which are made up of 50% recycled plastic, are easily recycled in store, using our soft plastic recycling facilities. Alternatively, customers can repurpose them as food caddy liners.

Previously, we offered single-use compostable bags in our food stores. These were not recyclable and instead were recommended to be repurposed as food caddy liners or composted directly. However, composting isn’t accessible or practical for all our customers.

Plus, if compostable bags are included in soft plastic recycling, they risk contaminating the waste stream and preventing other items being recycled.

For these reasons, we believe that, on balance, our new bags are a better option.

However, the best way to reduce our environmental impact isn’t by recycling; it’s by reducing waste.

That’s why we have signs at many of our food stores, reminding our customers to bring their reusable bags, and gift all new members a voucher for a reusable bag when they sign-up.

Community support

Our single-use bags will retail for 10p, and net proceeds will continue to support local groups and good causes, through our Community Champions scheme.

Every year, our Community Champions scheme sees hundreds of thousands of pounds donated to local good causes in our area. This ranges from children’s sports clubs, to community centres, to food banks.

The bags that we previously sold were supplied through our buying group, which is led by the national Co-op Group, and featured Co-op Group branding. However, as an independent local co-operative, we recycle all our profits locally, and the designs on our new bags celebrate our purpose-led approach and local impact.

Q&As

Q. How much will the new bags cost?

A. There is no change to pricing. The reusable bag will cost £1, and the single-use bag will cost 10p.

Q. When will the new bags be available?

A. They will begin rolling out after Monday 17th August, once old stock has been sold through.

Q. Why are there two different single-use bags in your stores?

A. The first batch of our new bags was made larger than planned. However they're still usable so to prevent waste, we're selling them until stock runs out and the correct sized bags arrive.