New World rewards customers for not using plastic bags
Foodstuffs
New World stores in the North Island are taking the lead
in an attempt to reduce the number of plastic bags used at
checkout.
From Monday the 24th of October North Island New World
customers will receive 5 cents off their shop for each reusable bag
used at checkout - up to a limit of 50 cents per visit. The gentle
incentive will help New World customers to develop more sustainable
shopping habits and help to significantly reduce the volume of
plastic bags used.
New World is dedicated to being a more sustainable business
and has a constant focus in this area. The idea behind the scheme
is to reward customers positive behaviour and encourage everyone to
be just a little bit more environmentally
friendly.
Doug Cochrane, General Manager Retail, Foodstuffs North
Island Ltd says that as a company we have a number of initiatives
in place that are really making a difference in terms of
environmental impact such as Soft Plastics recycling collections
and recyclable meat trays. These sustainable solutions are setting
the bar for how the business will operate in the
future.
"Billions of plastic bags are used globally, causing a
devastating impact on the environment; this issue needs to be
addressed. We can help by encouraging customers to begin changing
their shopping habits," says Cochrane.
"Reusable bags are the most sustainable option for carrying
groceries and we want to help our customers take positive steps
towards more sustainable shopping behaviours by rewarding them. We
know our customers are passionate about protecting their
environment, and this incentive in a way for us to say thanks for
helping to reduce plastic bag numbers."
Cochrane says the movement towards reusable bags is gaining
momentum in Europe, so it is clear this incentive can help
influence people's shopping routine and ultimately reduce plastic
in landfill.
The anticipated popularity of this initiative is attributed
greatly to the fact that New World Newlands, New World Churton
Park, New World Karori and New World Pioneer have all been
trialling the 5 cent rebate in their stores for a number of months
with great success. All of these stores have experienced strong
customer engagement in the initiative, and a significant reduction
in plastic bags distributed - New World Karori has reported using
approximately 15,000 less plastic bags and dishing out 7,800
rebates each month with this number continuing to
increase.
To help motivate customers, New World stores will offer a
selection of reusable bags to cater to a range of occasions and
lifestyles. Although we would obviously rather see New World bags,
customers can use which ever reusable bag they please to receive
the discount.
