Catering Scotland

With just two weeks to go until the Carrier Bag Charge (CBC) comes into force in Scotland, fashion chain Superdry has become the latest organisation to sign up to Zero Waste Scotland’s Carrier Bag Commitment, with proceeds from the carrier bag charge going to charity Trees for Life.

The company joins organisations including Marks and Spencer, McDonald’s, Holland and Barratt and The Co-operative Group in signing up to the CBC.

New legislation passed by the Scottish Government will require all retailers to charge a minimum of 5p for every single-use carrier bag dispensed from 20^th October 2014.

Signatories commit to donating the proceeds from the charge to good causes in Scotland, which may include environmental causes, and reporting on how many bags they’ve sold and how the money has been used.  In return they’ll be able to use dedicated reporting tools to simplify the process, and take part in communications activities which promote their business and the good causes they’re supporting.

Iain Gulland, Director of Zero Waste Scotland which is helping Scottish businesses to understand their responsibilities, is keen for shoppers to remember their reusable bags:

‘With just two weeks to go, we’re reminding people to be prepared for the launch of Scotland’s carrier bag charge, and we’re offering support to retailers to help them understand the charge and to make the necessary changes in their business.

‘I’m delighted to see Superdry signing up to the Carrier Bag Commitment, and would urge other retailers in Scotland to follow suit. Retailers can visit our dedicated website www.carrierbagchargescotland.org.uk or contact us directly for more information. It’s quick, easy, transparent, and provides great publicity for your business and the good causes you choose to support.’

Trees for Life is a conservation volunteering charity with a vision to restore Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest to a spectacular wilderness region of 1,000 square miles of mountains and glens to the west of Inverness and Loch Ness.

The Carrier Bag Commitment will recognise businesses who donate the proceeds from the bag charge to good causes, and  retailers are being urged to sign up, free of charge. Visit www.carrierbagchargescotland.org.uk for more information.