HARRODS is to replace its ‘iconic’ green plastic carrier bags with a paper variation in what it says is a ‘long overdue’ update.
The department store said the move comes as it looks to balance honouring the historic elements of its business, whilst also innovating to maintain its position as the ‘world’s leading’ luxury retailer.
The green carrier bag has gone unchanged for almost 50 years, but this month will be replaced with a 100% recyclable and sustainably sourced paper carrier bag – made from 40% recycled materials.
The firm added that it is also aiming to reduce the number of bags given to customers, with it aiming for a 50% cut in consumption. This will include complete removal of all carrier bags from its food halls and signature departments later this year.
Michael Ward, MD of Harrods, said, “Updating our iconic carrier bag is long overdue. But switching from one material to another is meaningless if you are not making a drastic reduction in waste, particularly for a business with over 4 million bags leaving the shop floor every year. We are determined to overhaul the way bags are handed out across the store and are challenging customers to join us in reducing waste by using as few bags as possible. As proud as we are to see customers leaving our store with the iconic Harrods green bag, going forward we want to see as few of them as possible!”
