Wegmans has decided to eliminate single use plastic bags by the end of the year which will beat the ban that New York State will institute beginning on March 1, 2020. In addition to the plastic bag decision, Wegmans will also institute new policies designed to cut the use of plastic throughout its stores.
“We want to get out ahead of this because we have a lot to learn from our customers about how we can help them make the shift to reusable bags, which are far better than paper bags for the environment,” said Jason Wadsworth, Wegmans Packaging and Sustainability Manager.
Wegmans also plans to replace in-store plastic with plant-based fiber materials and have taken steps to replace plastic straws with fiber alternatives that are renewable. Wegmans has 99 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. The company is based in Rochester, New York.