Plastic carrier bags - the story so far

Did you know the plastic bag was originally invented to be reused and help the environment?

At the time people were using paper bags and the energy needed and trees being cut down, to make them was causing a problem. However instead of being used again and again, plastic bags ended up becoming a single-use item and causing pollution.

Nations of the UK introduced a 5p charge to try and tackle plastic bag waste and in April and May 2021 the charge for carrier bags in England and Scotland doubled to 10p.

The plastic bag's journey has taken some twists and turns since its invention. Perhaps a bit like a good movie plot?