Reusable Bag Statistics UK 2026
The most comprehensive collection of reusable bag, plastic bag, and promotional products statistics. 75+ facts and figures with clickable source links.
Key Statistics at a Glance
Reduction in single-use plastic bags at major UK retailers since the carrier bag charge
Source: DEFRA (2024) ↗
Single-use plastic bags issued annually by main retailers before the 5p charge
Source: WRAP/DEFRA (2014) ↗
Times a cotton bag must be reused to offset its climate impact vs a plastic bag
Source: Danish EPA (2018) ↗
UK Plastic Bag Charge Impact
Official government statistics showing the effect of the UK's carrier bag charge on consumer behaviour and plastic waste.
Single-use bags distributed by major retailers annually before the 5p charge was introduced
Source: WRAP/DEFRA (2014) ↗
Single-use bags sold by all reporting retailers in England (2023-24)
Source: DEFRA (2024) ↗
Current minimum charge for single-use carrier bags in England (increased from 5p in May 2021)
Source: UK Government (2021) ↗
Reduction in plastic bag distribution by England's seven largest retailers compared to 2014
Source: DEFRA (2024) ↗
Donated to charitable causes by retailers from bag charge proceeds (2023-24)
Source: DEFRA (2024) ↗
Bags sold by the 5 main supermarkets still selling plastic bags (Tesco & Waitrose stopped)
Source: DEFRA (2024) ↗
Average bags per person per year from main retailers (down from 24 in 2016)
Source: DEFRA (2024) ↗
When the 5p carrier bag charge was introduced in England
Source: UK Government (2015) ↗
Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags
Data on the environmental consequences of single-use plastic bag production and disposal.
Estimated time for a plastic bag to decompose in landfill
Source: WWF (2023) ↗
Marine animals estimated to be killed annually by plastic bags and debris
Source: Ocean Conservancy (2023) ↗
Of plastic bags that are recycled globally (most end up in landfill or environment)
Source: OECD (2022) ↗
Plastic entering the ocean each year globally
Average use time of a single-use plastic bag before disposal
Marine species known to be affected by ocean plastic pollution
Source: UNESCO (2022) ↗
Reusable Cotton Bag Statistics
Facts about cotton and canvas reusable bags, their environmental footprint, and longevity based on life cycle assessments.
Times a conventional cotton bag must be reused to have lower climate impact than LDPE plastic bag
Alternative figure for cotton bag reuse to offset carbon footprint (different methodology)
Source: UK Environment Agency (2011) ↗
Times organic cotton must be reused when considering ALL environmental impacts (not just climate)
Source: Danish EPA (2018) ↗
Biodegradable - cotton bags fully decompose naturally, unlike plastic
Source: Textile Exchange (2023) ↗
Water needed to produce 1kg of conventional cotton
Source: WWF (2022) ↗
Water usage for organic cotton compared to conventional cotton
Source: Textile Exchange (2023) ↗
Global cotton production annually
Source: ICAC (2024) ↗
Reusable Bag Consumer Behaviour
How consumers in the UK and globally are adapting to reusable bags.
Of UK adults own at least one reusable shopping bag
Source: YouGov (2023) ↗
Of consumers say they prefer to buy from environmentally responsible brands
Source: IBM/NRF (2022) ↗
Average impressions a promotional bag generates during its lifetime
Of consumers keep promotional bags they receive
Source: PPAI (2023) ↗
Of consumers use promotional bags at least once a week
Source: PPAI (2023) ↗
Average time consumers keep a promotional bag
Source: ASI (2023) ↗
Jute & Natural Fibre Bags
Statistics on jute, hemp, and other natural fibre alternatives to plastic.
Growth cycle of jute - one of the fastest growing natural fibres
Source: FAO (2023) ↗
Absorbed per hectare of jute plants during growth cycle
Time for jute to fully biodegrade in soil
Source: FAO (2023) ↗
Global jute production per year
Source: FAO (2023) ↗
Of global jute production comes from India and Bangladesh
Source: FAO (2023) ↗
Pesticides typically needed for jute cultivation (naturally pest-resistant)
Source: Textile Exchange (2023) ↗
UK Promotional Products Industry
Market size, trends, and statistics for the promotional merchandise sector.
Estimated annual value of the UK promotional products industry
Source: BPMA (2024) ↗
Of consumers remember the advertiser of a promotional product they received
Source: ASI (2023) ↗
Of recipients do business with the advertiser after receiving a promotional item
Source: PPAI (2023) ↗
Are consistently one of the top promotional product categories in the UK
Source: BPMA (2024) ↗
Cost per impression for promotional bags (among lowest of all advertising channels)
Source: ASI (2023) ↗
Of consumers say they use promo products when they represent brands they like
Source: PPAI (2024) ↗
Corporate Sustainability Trends
How businesses are responding to environmental concerns with sustainable choices.
Of executives believe sustainability is important to their company's success
Of companies now have sustainability strategies that include promotional items
Source: BPMA Survey (2024) ↗
For eco-friendly promotional products has increased significantly since 2020
Source: BPMA (2024) ↗
UK's legally binding target year for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions
Source: UK Government (2021) ↗
Global Plastic Bag Bans & Regulations
Countries and regions taking action against single-use plastic bags.
Countries that have enacted some form of plastic bag regulation
Source: UNEP (2018) ↗
Countries with full or partial bans on single-use plastic bags
Source: UNEP (2023) ↗
Year Bangladesh became the first country to ban thin plastic bags
Source: UNEP (2002) ↗
Year the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive came into force
Source: European Commission (2021) ↗
African countries with plastic bag bans or restrictions (most of any continent)
Source: UNEP Africa (2023) ↗
Countries negotiating a Global Plastics Treaty (target completion 2025)
Source: UN (2024) ↗
Cost & ROI Statistics
The economics of reusable bags for businesses and consumers.
Cost per impression for promotional bags (lowest of all advertising channels)
Source: ASI (2023) ↗
Typical annual savings per household by using reusable bags
Source: Money Saving Expert (2024) ↗
Promotional products have higher brand recall than digital advertising
Source: ASI (2023) ↗
Typical unit cost for branded cotton bags at 250+ quantity
Source: Industry pricing (2024)
Of consumers more likely to do business after receiving a promotional product
Source: PPAI (2023) ↗
About These Statistics
All statistics on this page include clickable links to their original sources. We prioritise government data, peer-reviewed research, and reputable industry associations.
Key sources include:
- DEFRA Carrier Bag Charge Data - Official UK government statistics
- Danish EPA Life Cycle Assessment - Comprehensive bag LCA study
- ASI Ad Impressions Study 2023 - Promotional products research
- PPAI Research - Promotional Products Association International
- BPMA - British Promotional Merchandise Association
- UNEP Single-Use Plastics Report
If you're a journalist, researcher, or content creator looking to cite these statistics, please reference both the original source and this page. For press enquiries, contact us.
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