Lidl's significant price increase on plastic bags has led to a decrease in their sales and a push for customers to use existing bags instead.
In January, the supermarket chain Lidl raised the price of its plastic bags from 39 cents to 59 cents, resulting in a notable decline in their sales. According to Lidl, this choice was aimed at reducing the sale of plastic bags by encouraging consumers to utilize reusable alternatives. Following the price hike, sales dropped by 15% weekly compared to the previous period. The company’s sustainability manager, Anna Puurula, emphasized the importance of using already owned bags for both economic and environmental benefits.
The increase in plastic bag prices isn't an isolated incident; Lidl has implemented several hikes over time. The price rose from 29 cents to 39 cents in March 2025, coinciding with a decrease in the price of paper bags to 25 cents. This has led to a lower overall sale of plastic bags, which have reportedly decreased by about 11% post-March 2025. Such measures are aligned with European Union regulations aimed at minimizing the use of single-use plastics and promoting sustainable practices among consumers.
Overall, Lidl's strategy has resulted in 80% of shopping visits being made without plastic bags, indicating a significant shift in consumer behavior. The company is actively communicating with customers about the benefits of using reusable bags, attempting to reinforce a culture of sustainability while also addressing economic factors related to the usage of plastic bags.
