Foster’s will no longer sell single-use plastic bags at supermarket check-out areas as of 6 Feb.
Citing an “ongoing commitment to sustainability”, the decision applies to the registers in all Foster’s supermarket locations across Grand Cayman.
“This measure is the latest in our efforts to target, cut, and manage heavy producers of plastic waste across our operations – within our control,” a press release from Foster’s said.
Foster’s is introducing a reusable alternative, which will cost 25 cents, to single-use plastic bags, so customers who turn up at the register without anything to carry their groceries in will not be stuck without an option.
“We expect this will help reduce plastic waste in the landfill, protect marine life, and preserve the natural beauty of the Cayman Islands,” the release said, adding that the money collected from the new reusable bags will go towards “sponsoring community-based initiatives, charities, sustainability drives, and other campaigns designed to supplant an age of plastic with one of renewal”.
The move to eliminate the plastic bags from the check-out areas follows an earlier decision to eliminate Styrofoam containers and plastic straws from the deli stations.
Managing Director Woody Foster said, “At Foster’s, we’ve had to heavily reflect on what our environmental stewardship should ultimately represent to the community. By removing the single-use bags at the registers, we have re-committed ourselves to the belief that collectively, these steps – no matter how small – contribute towards a meaningful impact that we are crafting with, and for, our customers, one bag at a time.”
Foster’s says it plans to phase out single-use plastics across all store locations, wherever possible, by the end of 2025.
The company has already installed solar panels, is compacting and recycling cardboard, and reducing the use of plastic wrapping for pallets in its warehouses. Foster’s has also partnered with IWC and Beacon Farms to recycle non-protein food waste, cardboard packaging and pallets into over 30,000 pounds of compost for the charity’s farming operations.
“Foster’s recognizes that achieving meaningful change requires a collective effort, even if these efforts appear difficult to adopt initially. By choosing reusable bags and consciously reusing them repeatedly, customers play a pivotal role in reducing plastic waste and engendering a culture of sustainability within the community,” the company wrote.
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It is the right step ahead for the future. However, what will transpire now is that I’m forced to purchase plastic garbage bags to use in my garbage bins in the bathrooms. On top of this I stand a good chance of contaminating my foods with salmonella. Thanks FFF!
Why has this taken so long to happen. I estimate some 85% of shoppers used plastic bags at 5c each, not only creating harmful waste, but being rewarded by having their bags packed for them!. The new re-usable bags should be $1 each to discourage one time use.
Because of your courageous and clear commitment to a green and more sustainable approach to the health of our island and ocean , as a resident and a swimmer who swims through those plastic bags every day , my family will be doing all our grocery shopping now at Fosters and will be encouraging our neighbors to do the same. Good job Fosters.