I tested if supermarkets will replace 'bag for life' and two disappointed me

I tested if supermarkets will replace 'bag for life' and two disappointed me Big chains such as Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, M&S, Morrisons, Waitrose and Aldi got rid of the old plastic bags charging around 40p for ones which will 'last forever' A customer tested if promises to replace old ‘bags for life’ in supermarkets still held true - and was disappointed in some major chains. When the big chains such as Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, M&S, Morrisons, Waitrose and Aldi got rid of the thin plastic bags for environmental reasons, the new, more expensive carriers were called ‘bags for life’ with them pledging replacement once they wore out. In a new Reddit thread, one user said they had been trying to see if the previous pledge was still in action, but had been disappointed by two of the stores. In a recent Reddit rhread a user asked: “Do Sainsbury’s replace bags for life? I’m talking about the plastic ones, which used to cost 10p but are usually over 30p now. “Over the last few weeks, I’ve had Morrisons & Aldi both say they don’t replace these anymore, and you just need to buy another. This is despite the (I assume year old) bag I have saying on it “Please reuse this bag whenever you shop and when it is worn out we will replace it for free” “Anyone know if it is a chance in policy or if I’ve just been unlucky with the supermarkets I’ve used recently?” One person replied: “Yep, my local Sainsbury’s even has signs up saying this.” Another added: “Trying to make up for charging 40p.” A shopper said: “I replaced mine recently at Sainsbury’s too, the server guy was fine. But at a different supermarket I would just not ask, grab a new bag leave your old one and if anyone has a problem then explain you just exchanged your old one. “Often staff are told they must do certain things but actually they dont agree or care and will just ignore policy unless you go up to them and specifically ask.” In terms of the big stores Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and M&S will still replace them - with Morrisons and Aldi not saying they will not., Sainsbury’s has confirmed a rule is still in place across its 21,500 stores in the UK. The huge chain offers customers 40p ‘bags for life’ to carry their shopping in. Sainsbury’s has been an advocate of environmental policies and was the first major UK supermarket to remove single-use plastic bags from its fresh produce and in-store bakery aisles. Instead of plastic, customers are encouraged to bring their own bags or purchase reusable alternatives made from recycled materials. Sainsbury’s best-known bags are their woven polypropylene bags for life, which are commonly adorned with the ‘I’m strong & sturdy’ elephant or the ‘I’m nuts about recycling’ squirrel. These characters are indicative of Sainsbury’s, paired with the shades of orange and simple design that makes them quintessential for the supermarket. In 2017, Tesco introduced a new bag for life scheme for their standard flexiloop plastic carrier bags. These would be made from 94% recycled plastic, and sold for 10p (at the time, the plastic carrier bag charge was 5p). These bags were replaceable for free if damaged, encouraging customers to reuse even their more simplistic bags. Reusable “bag for life” which could be returned and replaced in store when worn out. A code “E0228/EPM/SV01-1005” is printed on the base. Here’s what each supermarket says: Asda – “If your Bag for Life breaks or gets damaged, we will happily replace it free of charge.” Sainsbury’s – “We offer reusable Bags for Life, made from 100% recycled content. When they wear down, we replace them for free and recycle the old bag.” Tesco – “If your Tesco Bag for Life becomes worn out, bring it to the checkout and exchange it for a new one, free of charge.” M&S – “You can return your Bag for Life for replacement or recycling when they wear out.” Waitrose - replaces a bag for life if it is no longer usable due to damage, disrepair or spoilage. Morrisons – No free replacements. Morrisons scrapped plastic Bags for Life and replaced them with paper alternatives. Aldi – No free replacements. Aldi does not offer a policy for swapping old Bags for Life for new ones.