Asda removes plastic fruit and veg bags from stores

In a nine store trial, which will include stores in Harrogate, York, Killingbeck and Glasshoughton, the move could save around 141 tonnes of plastic a year, which equates to over 3.5 million bags.

Instead of the plastic bags, Asda will be offering "Veggio" bags, which are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic water bottles, priced at 30p each. The Leeds-based firm said the bags will provide customers with an affordable, reusable alternative to single use plastic fruit and vegetable bags.

Kevin Patel, director of produce at Asda, said: “This is a really exciting step in our journey as we continue to look at innovative ways we can reduce unnecessary plastic from across the business and meet our target of reducing own brand plastic by 15 per cent by 2021.

"We know that our customers and colleagues are really passionate about sustainability and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to do their bit for the environment, without having to compromise on quality."

Asda recently announced a number of initiatives to reduce plastic pollution, including the first 100 per cent recyclable blueberry punnet, which will recycle 5.5 million film lids, with more trials to come later in the year on other fresh lines.

This latest trial will begin on September 7.