ROTTERDAM, 16 December 2024 – A plastic bag displayed as a museum exhibit in Rotterdam's Koopgoot has highlighted a shift towards reusable alternatives during festive shopping. Recent research shows South Hollanders are increasingly choosing sustainable options.
Plastic bags phased out as Rotterdam embraces reusable alternatives
Shoppers in Rotterdam were surprised this past weekend as a bright orange plastic bag stood encased in a glass display at the Koopgoot shopping area. The symbolic installation, part of a campaign by Supporter van Schoon, aims to mark the declining use of single-use plastic bags in the Netherlands.
The campaign aligns with new research from Markteffect, commissioned by Supporter van Schoon (part of Verpact), which surveyed over 1,000 South Holland residents aged 18 and older. The findings indicate that 78% of shoppers now bring a reusable bag when shopping for non-grocery items, and 87% do so for groceries. For clothing, reusable bags are used by 71% of shoppers.
Nearly a quarter of respondents said they use reusable bags more frequently compared to two years ago, while two-thirds reported having up to 10 reusable alternatives at home.
The museum piece: a turning point for the plastic bag
Hester Klein Lankhorst, CEO of Verpact, reflected on the plastic bag’s shifting role in daily life. “The plastic bag has been an integral part of our routines, but we have reached a turning point. Increasingly, South Hollanders are choosing reusable options not only for groceries but also for clothing and gifts. Our goal is to ensure packaging becomes fully sustainable, which benefits both the environment and helps combat litter,” Klein Lankhorst stated.
A plastic bag exhibit in Rotterdam’s Koopgoot highlights a shift towards reusable alternatives as shoppers move away from single-use plastics.
Differences between men, women, and age groups
The research also reveals gender-based and generational trends. Women are more likely to carry reusable bags compared to men:
- 92% of women versus 80% of men bring a reusable bag for groceries.
- 79% of women versus 60% of men do so when shopping for clothing.
While women tend to favour foldable fabric or cotton bags, men are more likely to use backpacks or sports bags. Creative solutions for carrying purchases, such as boxes or buggy compartments, were also reported.
Generationally, older adults (66+) are more consistent in reusing bags, with 34% claiming they “always” bring a reusable bag. In contrast, only 19% of respondents aged 18-30 reported the same habit. Forgetting a reusable bag or making unplanned purchases were cited as the main reasons for using single-use bags.
From ubiquitous to obsolete
The plastic bag, first developed in 1959, became widespread globally in the 1970s. However, growing awareness of environmental impacts has led to significant policy changes. In 2016, the Netherlands introduced a ban on free plastic bags, requiring retailers to charge for them. The measure has resulted in a sharp decline in plastic bag use, making reusable options the new norm.
Nearly two-thirds of survey participants noted a visible reduction in plastic bags in their surroundings, reflecting a broader societal shift.
