Jutexpo Survey Reveals that Despite 90% of People Recycling Every Week, Over 50% Continue to Use Single-use Disposable Plastic Bags

An online survey, undertaken by Jutexpo Limited has found that despite 90% of people in the UK claiming to recycle on a weekly basis, 55% still continue to use single-use disposable bags every week.

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Quote startIn a time when environmental issues are paramount, switching from plastic bags to more environmental and sustainable alternatives is a simple yet effective way to reduce the amount of plastic that will eventually end up in landfill.Quote end

(PRWeb UK) January 6, 2010

An online survey, undertaken by Jutexpo Limited has found that despite 90% of people in the UK claiming to recycle on a weekly basis, 55% still continue to use single-use disposable bags every week.

The survey looked at the type of bags used by shoppers in the UK*, how environmentally friendly they perceive various shopping bags to be (i.e. single-use plastic bags, plastic bags for life, cotton bags, paper bags and jute bags), and what factors are important in deciding which particular bag to use.

On average, a single-use plastic bag is used for 20 minutes yet takes approximately 1,000 years to degrade. Although 97% of respondents ranked them as ‘not environmentally-friendly’, 55% continue to use them on a weekly basis. A ‘plastic bag for life’ on the other hand was rated as ‘quite environmentally friendly’ by almost two-thirds of respondents, with 43% using them every week. Made from thicker plastic, these ‘bags for life’ allow for multiple usage. However they are still made from plastic, so the environmental and landfill issues associated with plastic still remain.

When deciding which bag to use, ‘reusability’, ‘environmentally friendly’ and ‘availability at the checkout’ were the top 3 ‘very important’ factors to influence that decision. Cost was deemed ‘quite important’. Other key findings included:

  •     Jute and juco bags, which are a natural and ecologically-friendly alternative to plastic bags, are used weekly by 55% of respondents.
  •     Despite having a high water and high carbon footprint, 55% of respondents thought that cotton was ‘very environmentally friendly’.
  •     Almost one-third of respondents did not know or had not heard of the term Water Footprint, although everyone had heard of and had an understanding of Carbon Footprint.
  •     87% of those surveyed, felt they were quite aware of environmental issues, which was defined as having a reasonable knowledge of issues but not actively seeking more specific details. No one felt they were completely unaware of issues.

Barrie Turner, CEO, Jutexpo Limited says, “In a time when environmental issues are paramount, switching from plastic bags to more environmental and sustainable alternatives is a simple yet effective way to reduce the amount of plastic that will eventually end up in landfill. Despite perceptions that cotton is environmentally friendly, it is not the case when you look its carbon and water footprints. Jute on the other hand is low in both, so is the most environmentally-friendly reusable bag available in the market. It is reassuring to see that 55% of people in the UK are using jute bags on a weekly basis and hopefully this number will continue to grow in 2010 and beyond.”

*Respondents may use more than one type of bag

For further information contact:
Martina Doherty                        
T: +44 (0)7506 783385        

About the company
Jutexpo Limited is the UK’s leading provider of ethically-produced jute and juco** bags. The bags are frequently used as an ecologically-friendly replacement for plastic and cotton bags and are regularly seen on most high streets. They lend themselves to a multitude of versatile applications such shopping bags, wine bags, tote or duffel bags as well as conference bags, presentation folders and fashion bags. As an organisation we operate under the core principle of ‘beyond the bag’, which embodies the following values in everything we do:

  •     Ethical production
  •     Social responsibility
  •     Quality and trust

To date we have sold more than 25 million bags.

For more information visit http://www.jutexpo.co.uk
**Juco is 75% jute and 25% cotton and is a registered trademark of Jutexpo Limited.

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