This statistic shows how many thin-gauge (single-use) bags were used by shoppers in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014, in millions of bags used. The number of bags used in England has grown steadily each year since 2010, while the number of bags used in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland has steadily decreased. In a bid to reduce the number of plastic carry bags being used, England introduced a five pence surcharge on single-use bags on 5 October 2015, similar to the charge already in place across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Unlike in other jurisdictions, several exemptions and conditions have been attached to the English policy, and many critics feel this will limit the impact the policy will have.
Number of thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags used by supermarket shoppers in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014
(in millions)
Thin-gauge bags are defined as all paper bags and polyethylene bags of a gauge (thickness) less than 25 microns. Data for the four nations of the UK are presented using information reported by the majority of retailers.
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WRAP. (July 24, 2015). Number of thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags used by supermarket shoppers in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014 (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 19, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/469175/thin-gauge-bag-use-in-the-uk/
WRAP. "Number of thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags used by supermarket shoppers in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014 (in millions)." Chart. July 24, 2015. Statista. Accessed December 19, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/469175/thin-gauge-bag-use-in-the-uk/
WRAP. (2015). Number of thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags used by supermarket shoppers in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014 (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 19, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/469175/thin-gauge-bag-use-in-the-uk/
WRAP. "Number of Thin-gauge (Single-use) Carrier Bags Used by Supermarket Shoppers in The United Kingdom (Uk) from 2010 to 2014 (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 24 Jul 2015, https://www.statista.com/statistics/469175/thin-gauge-bag-use-in-the-uk/
WRAP, Number of thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags used by supermarket shoppers in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014 (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/469175/thin-gauge-bag-use-in-the-uk/ (last visited December 19, 2024)
Number of thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags used by supermarket shoppers in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014 (in millions) [Graph], WRAP, July 24, 2015. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/469175/thin-gauge-bag-use-in-the-uk/
