SPAR Hungary transforms plastic waste into recyclable shopping bags

SPAR Hungary has implemented a recycling initiative aimed at reducing plastic waste by using 150 tonnes of recycled plastic film annually to produce reusable shopping bags. This initiative is designed to decrease landfill contributions, lower carbon emissions, and reduce SPAR Hungary’s ecological footprint.

Plastic film waste collected from SPAR Hungary’s stores is transported to its logistics centres for processing and baling. Under an authorised agreement with its waste management partner, SPAR transfers this waste to the recycling company Papier-Mettler, which processes it into granulate material. This granulate is then used to manufacture two types of shopping bags for SPAR Hungary: a ribbon-handle bag currently available, and a larger, heavy-duty bag set to launch in 2025.

Following a successful trial run of the recycled bags in autumn 2023, SPAR Hungary extended the distribution of these bags to all its stores in September 2024. The recycled bags are designed to match the durability and stability of previous non-recycled bags and can also be recycled again through standard plastic recycling bins, supporting a more circular approach to plastic use in the retail sector.

Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary, explained: Through our sustainability initiatives, SPAR Hungary is working to reduce the volume of waste film generated across its network every year. Last year, we took a significant step towards recycling some of the generated plastic waste through an innovative circular waste management initiative. This new programme uses the company’s plastic waste to make shopping bags that can also be recycled. These bags are now available in our stores.

Earlier this year, SPAR Hungary took another significant step towards environmental sustainability with the introduction of innovative, reusable transport containers for its fruit and vegetable departments. The foldable, reusable, and easy-to-clean containers were rolled out across SPAR stores throughout the year.