This statistic shows how many thin-gauge (single-use) bags were used by shoppers in the United Kingdom (UK) per person, per month from 2010 to 2014. The number of bags used in England has increased since 2010, while the number of bags used in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland has 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 October 5, 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 per person each month in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014, by country
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.
Population data sourced from the Office of National Statistics.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
WRAP. (July 24, 2015). Number of thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags used per person each month in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014, by country [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 25, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/469431/thin-gauge-bag-use-per-person-in-the-uk/
WRAP. "Number of thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags used per person each month in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014, by country." Chart. July 24, 2015. Statista. Accessed November 25, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/469431/thin-gauge-bag-use-per-person-in-the-uk/
WRAP. (2015). Number of thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags used per person each month in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014, by country. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 25, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/469431/thin-gauge-bag-use-per-person-in-the-uk/
WRAP. "Number of Thin-gauge (Single-use) Carrier Bags Used per Person Each Month in The United Kingdom (Uk) from 2010 to 2014, by Country." Statista, Statista Inc., 24 Jul 2015, https://www.statista.com/statistics/469431/thin-gauge-bag-use-per-person-in-the-uk/
WRAP, Number of thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags used per person each month in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014, by country Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/469431/thin-gauge-bag-use-per-person-in-the-uk/ (last visited November 25, 2024)
Number of thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags used per person each month in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2014, by country [Graph], WRAP, July 24, 2015. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/469431/thin-gauge-bag-use-per-person-in-the-uk/