Kroger, one of the largest grocery chains in the United States, has announced plans to completely eliminate single-use plastic bags by 2025. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability that the company has been developing over the past decade. Managing over 2,700 stores across 35 states, including well-known brands such as Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Food 4 Less, and Pick ‘n Save, Kroger will kick off this transition with its QFC locations in Seattle before rolling it out nationwide.
“Our Zero Hunger/Zero Waste initiative drives us to phase out single-use plastic bags in favor of reusable alternatives by 2025,” stated Thomas Richards, Kroger’s CEO. “This is a significant step toward safeguarding our planet for future generations.” In conjunction with this effort, Kroger is also working to divert 90% of its waste from landfills by 2020 and has launched a Food Rescue Program aimed at delivering over 91 million pounds of safe food to local food banks.
Research indicates that less than 5% of plastic bags are recycled in the U.S. each year, with single-use plastic bags ranking as one of the most common types of plastic waste found in the environment. In fact, around 8.8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans annually, posing serious threats to marine life and ecosystems.
“We are attentive to our customers’ concerns about the environment,” remarked Linda Carter, Kroger’s COO. “That’s why we are starting this transition toward more sustainable practices today at QFC.” Kroger aims to complete this transition by 2025, aligning with a growing trend among major corporations to reduce plastic usage. For instance, Starbucks has committed to phasing out plastic straws, and Disney is also eliminating straws to lessen their environmental impact.
In the UK, customers have been charged for plastic bags since 2015, a move designed to reduce litter. As a consumer, choosing paper bags or bringing your own reusable bags can significantly contribute to this cause.
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In summary, Kroger is taking a bold step toward environmental sustainability by phasing out plastic bags by 2025, starting with its QFC locations. This initiative is part of a larger commitment to waste reduction and food donation, reflecting a growing trend among major retailers to address plastic pollution.