Nakumatt launches project to minimise use of plastic bags

Regional retailer Nakumatt Holdings launched a project cut the use of plastic carry bags in its stores.

The project will first be piloted at Nakumatt’s branches every Wednesday.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Nakumatt Holdings Managing Director Atul Shah said the trial initiative would seek to raise more awareness of the firm’s Think Green, Go Blue Campaign.

The consumer behavioural change campaign will also be activated on Twitter using the hashtag #GreenWednesday. Customers will be encouraged to allow their shopping to be packed in reusable bags, used cartons or unga bales, or their own kiondos instead of plastic bags.

Based on global research, convincing consumers to reduce, reuse and recycle bags, in that order, Mr Shah said, is the best way to manage plastic waste at retail outlets.

Think Green

“The plastic bags menace is a communal problem that can only be won through concerted efforts. As such, consumption cannot be radically reduced by legislation, penalties or higher taxes. The consumers are the most effective avenue through which to reduce such usage,” he said.

“Every Wednesday, we shall be seeking the support of our shoppers to allow us to pack their shopping exclusively in reusable bags.”

By undertaking the project, Nakumatt is anticipating a positive response that will provide the firm with invaluable experience to enable it roll out the undertaking on a wider scale across its branches.

Nakumatt says it has managed to reduce its overheads on plastic bag purchases by more than 15 per cent since it launched its Think Green, Go Blue campaign about two years ago.

Across the region and with daily store traffic of close to 150,000 customers, the retailer dispenses more than 260,000 plastic carrier bags.

By emphasising the use of reusable bags, Nakumatt is hoping to reduce this number to less than 50,000 bags a day within the next two years.

Last June, the retailer, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) and global technology firm, HP, launched a consumer campaign to encourage the recycling of electronic items under a programme dubbed Recycle Today for a Better Tomorrow.