Tesco has triggered a wave of customer anger after implementing a significant price increase for its reusable plastic bags, a move described by many shoppers as 'ridiculous'.
Customer Fury Over New Bag Charge
The backlash erupted after a customer alerted others on the Food Finds UK Official Facebook page. The post, made following the steep price hike, warned: "From October 29 Tesco bag for life will be 40p" and urged people to remember to bring their own bags. This change means the cost of Tesco's most affordable reusable bag has now risen to 40p.
The announcement prompted an immediate and frustrated response online. One shopper lamented, "What a joke, I remember when they were free, and then 5p," highlighting the perceived drastic escalation in cost. Another customer angrily posted, "What a joke ffs, it’s ridiculous!", capturing the mood of many.
Divided Opinions and Supermarket Justification
While many criticised the move, the online discussion revealed a split in public opinion. Some defended the price increase, arguing it serves the original environmental purpose. "The original point was to get people to stop wastefully buying bags. People didn't care, so they increased the tax. Ultimately, start adapting and stop whining," one comment read. Another simply stated, "People are complaining. Just take your own bags. That was the whole purpose of bag charges: to encourage people to use reusable bags."
In response to the outcry, a Tesco spokesperson clarified the company's position, stating: "We encourage customers to bring shopping bags with them to cut down on plastic, but we sell a wide range of reusable bags in case they are needed." The spokesperson emphasised that their cheapest Bags for Life, now priced at 40p, are made from 100% recycled plastic, can be reused multiple times, and are replaced for free if worn out.
A Wider Supermarket Trend
Tesco is not alone in this price adjustment. Rival supermarket Sainsbury's has also increased the cost of its Bags for Life from 30p to 40p, meaning customers at both major chains will now pay more if they forget their own bags. A Sainsbury's spokesperson explained their decision, noting the price had been held for three years and the increase was to balance rising costs. They also confirmed that all profits from bag sales support good causes, including initiatives tackling food poverty, and that their bags are also made from 100% recycled plastic with a free replacement policy.
This coordinated price rise marks a new chapter in the UK's effort to reduce single-use plastic, pushing the financial incentive for shoppers to adopt reusable alternatives further than ever before.
