Massy Stores to charge 25 cents for each plastic bag from next Tuesday

Come next Tuesday, July 3, Massy Stores will charge 25 cents for each single use plastic bag used to package groceries.

This development was announced by the company on April 22, and in a release issued Wednesday, the supermarket chain said the sole purpose of the charge is to discourage the use of single use plastic bags.

“All this is intended to support our journey of waste reduction, specifically the reduction of the negative impacts of plastic waste in the environment,” said Massy in a release.

The charge will be applied for each single use carry out bag provided by Massy Stores in the packaging of groceries, if the customer does not have a reusable bag.

Persons are encouraged to bring from home, their own reusable bags, which do not have to be a Massy Bag.

“The intention remains that we all take personal responsibility for the overall reduction of plastic consumption,” Marketing Officer Petra Plato said on Wednesday.

Massy advises shoppers to keep a stash of reusable bags in their vehicles or carry reusable bags on their person if they carry a work bag or knapsack.

The supermarket chain also encourages persons to bring separate bags for grocery items such as fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood and household/cleaning items.

“The branded, single use bags are not for sale as individual grocery items, as we are not in the business of selling plastic bags. These bags are available for sale only where you opt to have your groceries packaged in plastic,” Plato explained.

She added, “where you choose to have your groceries packed in plastic bags, although we hope you won’t, the proceeds from the sale of these plastic bags will be placed into an Environmental Fund to support environmental projects focused on managing the effects of plastic pollution.

“There will be some instances where we will continue to provide you with clear plastic bags free of charge. You will receive a free plastic bag if this is necessary to protect loose foodstuff like produce and vegetables from dirt and pathogens and prevent seepage from raw fish, raw meat, or raw poultry, which could lead to cross contamination.”

Massy stressed that they are looking forward to shoppers’ cooperation as this is a collective effort to manage plastic waste and reduce negative impact on the natural environment.

The company is also welcoming feedback on the initiative as they continue to strengthen their commitment to the environment.