Following a successful test run in selected supermarkets, the new 100% biodegradable paper bags are now available in all INTERSPAR stores as an alternative to plastic bags for fruit and vegetable purchases. It is up to the customers to decide.
Following successful tests in eleven hypermarkets in Salzburg and Styria, the new, innovative paper bags are being rolled out throughout Austria. The environmentally friendly and recyclable alternative to the well-known plastic bag is now available in all INTERSPAR hypermarkets. The paper bags are made of transparent, FSC-certified parchment paper and they are moisture-resistant. When still clean, they can be put in the waste paper bin, if dirty they are destined for the bio-bin.
A biodegradable alternative
"We are proud to be able to offer our customers an ecologically proper alternative to the conventional plastic bag from now on. Its functionality was clearly confirmed in the test runs and the acceptance of these bags by our customers is pleasingly high as well. The subject of plastic reduction has certainly been picked up by the consumer.
In future, we will be offering customers throughout Austria the opportunity to send a clear environmental signal," says INTERSPAR Austria CEO Mag. Markus Kaser, who is very enthusiastic about the development. The customers can however still choose whether to use the new, biodegradable paper bag or the conventional plastic bag.
Measures pertaining to plastic reduction
SPAR and INTERSPAR are contributing to the reduction of plastics with a variety of measures. As part of the Sustainability Agenda of the Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism, SPAR and INTERSPAR used more than 20 percent less plastic fruit and vegetable bags last year.
In all ranges of products, attention is being paid to resource-saving packaging. For example, the packaging of SPAR sandwiches was converted from plastic to cardboard, saving of 22 tons of plastic yearly.
Source: SPAR Österreich