Entitled the Zero Waste Retailers Group, the group will at first focus on reducing the one billion single use carrier bags used in Scotland every year. This will involve working with retailers to cut bag use, in order to avoid possible legislation.
However, it is also expected to tackle other issues going forward such as packaging waste and how to reduce it.
Speaking after the first meeting, Mr Lochhead said: “From today, the Scottish Government will lead the Zero Waste Retailers Group which will include the Scottish Retail Consortium and Waste Aware Scotland. The Group will consider how retailers can best engage with our zero waste agenda.”
“Together we will consider various options to cut bag use on a voluntary basis, such as increasing the use of long-life bags and close work with schools, community groups and local authorities,” he added.
Pledges
In January, the Scottish Government launched 10 Greener pledges, which included reusing carrier bags. This followed a voluntary agreement with retailers to cut bag use.
However, the Government has since indicated that unless more progress is made, it will consider passing legislation similar to that proposed for England.
This could be achieved through provisions which are being added to the English Climate Change Bill being extended to Scotland, through a private members bill being floated by Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Pringle or through a separate Scottish Climate Change Bill.
Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Retailers welcome the opportunity to continue to work on a voluntary basis with the Scottish Government in supporting customer action to reduce single use carrier bags.”
“Each retailer knows their customers and how to engage with them so we think this voluntary collaboration is the right approach.
“We look forward to working with the Scottish Government, building on the approach already being undertaken by our members,” she added.
Retailers attending the first Zero Waste Retailers Group meeting last week were:
Asda
Boots
Co-op
Debenhams
Home Retail Group
John Lewis
Marks and Spencer
Morrisons
Next
Nisa-Todays
Primark
Sainsbury's
TK Maxx
Tesco
Waitrose
The meeting was also attended by the Scottish Retail Consortium, the Scottish Grocers Federation, the Waste and Resources Action Programme and Waste Aware Scotland.
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