Checkers Sixty60 has launched a South African supermarket first with a new recycling initiative for its popular brown paper bags that will help close the recycling loop for its customers.

The initiative, which is part of the Shoprite Group’s zero waste-to-landfill ambition, will allow customers to return their used bags with Sixty60 drivers for recycling.

Sixty60’s paper bags are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, and already comply with the highest social and environmental standards, but the new service will go further towards reducing the Group and its customers’ impact on the environment.

The programme is rolling out nationally from early March, after a successful trial period in late January 2021.

It will enable shoppers to return their used paper bags to Checkers with the Sixty60 driver the next time they receive a delivery. 

Here’s how the programme will work:

·  Shoppers flat pack up to 10 used bags in one Sixty60 bag.

·  These must be placed at their front doors when the next delivery is due to take place.

·  The Sixty60 driver will collect the bags that are ready and waiting with the next delivery.

·  Unfortunately they cannot wait while new Sixty60 bags are unpacked. 

·  Once the used bags have been given to the driver, they will be returned to the store and recycled.

If shoppers would prefer to recycle the bags themselves at a local store, they can do so via designated Sixty60 in-store recycling bins.

This initiative forms part of the Shoprite Group’s broader recycling programme that in the last financial year saw 37 312 tons of cardboard reused and recycled, and 4 410 tons of plastic recycled from their distribution centres.

The Shoprite Group supports a circular economy approach to packaging, and is committed to significantly reducing the volumes of recyclable waste going to landfills by ensuring that its packaging is reusable and/or recyclable. It also has a zero waste-to-landfill ambition, and is committed to reducing waste in its operations, including assisting consumers to change their behaviour.