Kroger Plans To Discontinue Single-Use Plastic Bags By 2025

Grocery chain Kroger has announced that it will be discontinuing single-use plastic bags in its stores by 2025 as part of its ongoing sustainability program, called "Zero Hunger | Zero Waste." The move towards sustainability will encompass all of Kroger's family of stores, including: Quality Food Centers, Food 4 Less, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Scoopers, City Market, Fry's, Harris Teeter, and more.

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According to a press release from the brand, an estimated 100 billion single-use plastic bags are thrown away in the U.S. every year and less than 5 percent of plastic bags are recycled. "The environmental consequences of single-use plastic bags are well known," Mike Donnelly, Kroger's executive vice president and COO, said in the release.

"Single-use plastic bags have zero place in our vision for a world with zero waste. 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. It's a bold move that will better protect our planet for future generations."

environmentally problematic plastic bags beginning with the Seattle-based and Kroger-owned Quality Food Centers. Kroger expects QFC to totally eliminate its use of plastic bags by 2019.

Didn't realize Kroger was so dedicated to sustainability? Learn more with 10 things you didn't know about Kroger.