Single-use plastic bags will no longer be available at markets across Hackney from October 1.
The council announced their plans on 18 September, explaining that residents were instead encouraged to bring their own reusable bags or use ones provided by Raze.
Raze is a company that uses ad space to fund reusable paper bags, which customers can use in exchange for rewards.
Charlie Ayres, Raze co-founder, said: “We’re the first to have done this.
“The advertising system is broken and needs to change.”
Raze bags will be available at Chatsworth Road, Ridley Road, Kingsland, Well Street, Broadway, Clifton Food, and Hoxton Street Markets from 1 October.
By scanning the unique QR code printed on each bag, consumers opt-in to allow GPS on their phone to track their location whenever they use a Raze bag.
The app then estimates the footfall in that location to guess how many people are likely to have seen the bag, which carries adverts for local businesses.
For every person who sees the bag the consumer earns one Raze coin, equivalent to one penny, which can be spent at participating businesses.
👋 We’re saying goodbye to single-use plastic bags at Hackney Markets from Sunday 1 October.
— Hackney Council (@hackneycouncil) September 25, 2023
♻️ Join us in reducing plastic waste and making Hackney greener and cleaner by bringing your own reusable bag when you shop.https://t.co/W31NFCp2w2
🌍💚 #BYOBagHackney pic.twitter.com/NHYcRy7Xif
In order to partner with Raze, businesses must have an online presence, and demonstrate their sustainable agenda.
Ayres said: “We’re trying to give those brands that harm the environment less of a louder voice.”
The bags, which are made of reinforced, carbon-neutral and water-resistant paper, can hold up to 10kg – or, as Ayres explained, about six bottles of wine.
Lambeth was the first council to collaborate with Raze, after meeting at an event held by Raze’s investor Sustainable Ventures.
They launched a pilot scheme across Brixton markets, which has been followed by similar projects in Westminster and, beginning on 29 September, in Camden.
Ayres said: “Traders absolutely love it; consumers love it as well!”
At the moment, Raze customers are averaging 38 hours of bag usage per month, equating to roughly £40.
However, Ayres said that users at the top end are earning upwards of £150 a month.
He said: “We want to give everyone an opportunity to earn from advertising.”
A spokesperson from Big Wheel Cheese, a trader at Broadway Market, said: “I support the policy and have personally always used paper bags for my business.”
Hackney Council’s partnership with Raze coincides with the government’s decision to ban a range of single-use plastics, including plates, cutlery, balloon sticks and food containers, beginning in October.
When the plan was announced on 16 January, Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “We all know the absolutely devastating impacts that plastic can have on our environment and wildlife.
“We have listened to the public and these new single-use plastics bans will continue our vital work to protect the environment for future generations.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Plastic is a scourge which blights our streets and beautiful countryside and I am determined that we shift away from a single-use culture.”
Featured image credit: Raze
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