Kroger is doing away with plastic bags

DAYTON, Ohio -- Kroger is doing away with single-use plastic bags, replacing them with reusable bags across all stores.

As part of the company's recent green initiatives, the major grocery retailer plans to phase out all of the plastic bags by 2025. The QFC brand of stores will be the first to lose the bags, followed by all other lines in the family of stores, according to Thursday's company announcement.

"As part of our Zero Hunger -- Zero Waste commitment, we are phasing out use-once, throw-it-away plastic bags and transitioning to reusable bags in our stores by 2025," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "It's a bold move that will better protect our planet for future generations."

Some experts estimate that 100 billion single-use bags are thrown away every year in the United States. Less than 5 percent are recycled, according to the release.

"We listen very closely to our customers and our communities, and we agree with their growing concerns," said Mike Donnelly, Kroger's executive vice president and COO. "That's why, starting today at QFC, we will begin the transition to more sustainable options. This decision aligns with our Restock Kroger commitment to live our purpose through social impact."

Story Filed By Cox Newspapers

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