Supermarket chain SPAR Hungary has introduced recyclable shopping bags made from the company’s plastic waste in its stores. 

The company says it uses 150 tonnes of plastic waste each year to manufacture these shopping bags as part of its sustainability initiative, which aims to decrease landfill waste, carbon dioxide emissions, and ecological footprint. 

The chain collects plastic film waste from its stores and transports it to its two logistics centres for baling.  

SPAR Hungary has also secured special authorisation to allow it to transfer the necessary amount of plastic film waste to its partner, Papier-Mettler, for the production of recycled shopping bags. 

Papier-Mettler produces a ribbon-handle bag for the company and is set to start manufacturing a larger-sized bag using the supplied waste in 2025.  

Papier-Mettler’s process involves transforming single-use packaging materials such as stretch film and shrink film into reusable and recyclable products.  

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Following a successful test delivery in late 2023, SPAR Hungary started rolling out this solution across all its stores in September 2024.  

The recycled bags are designed to have the same durability as their original versions.  

SPAR Hungary communications head Márk Maczelka said: “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.” 

In February this year, SPAR Hungary revealed its plans to roll out a new type of reusable transport container for its fruit and vegetable departments in 2024.