What: Iconic green plastic shopping bag will be replaced by paper bags.

Why it is important: The department store is making a drastic reduction in waste, particularly for a business with over 4 million bags leaving the shop floor every year.

After remaining unchanged for almost 40 years, the iconic green shopping bag is being overhauled. From September 2021, all plastic bags will be removed from stores and replaced by 100% recyclable, and sustainably sourced paper bags, made from 40% recycled materials.

The FSC® label on paper bags means that the paper is responsibly sourced. To reduce the number of bags given to customers, Harrods is also aiming to cut consumption of shopping bags by 50%.

The decision will include the complete removal of all carrier bags from the Food Hall and Signature departments later this year when customers will be asked to bring their own bags or purchase a new bag for life.

Harrods removes plastic bags