The Kroger Co. announced Thursday that it will phase out single-use plastic bags and transition to reusable bags across its family of stores by 2025.
The phase-out, which will start in Seattle, is part of the company’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste commitment.
“It’s a bold move that will better protect our planet for future generations,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO.
According to a news release from Kroger, some estimates suggest that 100 billion single-use plastic bags are thrown away in the U.S. every year.
Currently, less than five percent of plastic bags are recycled annually in America, and single-use plastic bags are the fifth-most common single-use plastic found in the environment by magnitude.
In order for the company to ensure a responsible transition, Kroger will solicit customer feedback and work with NGOs and community partners.
“We listen very closely to our customers and our communities, and we agree with their growing concerns,” said Mike Donnelly, Kroger’s executive vice president and COO. “That’s why, starting today at QFC, we will begin the transition to more sustainable options. This decision aligns with our Restock Kroger commitment to live our purpose through social impact.”
Kroger’s announcement follows several other Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiatives at scale, including:
- Kroger’s goal to divert 90 percent of waste from the landfill by 2020. Of the waste diverted today, 66.15 million pounds of plastic and 2.43 billion pounds of cardboard were recycled in 2017.
- Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Food Rescue Program sent more than 91 million pounds of safe nutritious food to local food banks and pantries in 2017. Kroger provided more than 325 million meals to families in need last year, in food and funds combined.
To learn more about a Kroger near you, visit their website here.
