Most Dutch use reusable shopping bags

Single-use plastic bags may soon disappear from daily life in the Netherlands, according to a new survey conducted by Markteffect for Supporter van Schoon, an initiative by packaging company Verpact. The survey reveals that a significant majority of Dutch consumers now opt for reusable bags across various shopping categories.

The study, conducted among 1,033 respondents aged 18 and older, found that 86 percent of Dutch consumers use a reusable bag for grocery shopping. Additionally, 70 percent use a reusable bag when purchasing clothing, and 77 percent do so for other types of shopping.

Nearly half of respondents said they now bring a reusable bag more often than they did two years ago. Furthermore, 47 percent expressed hope that single-use plastic bags will completely disappear from Dutch streets in the future.

Two-thirds of respondents reported owning up to ten reusable bags, with popular alternatives including foldable bags, linen or cotton bags, backpacks, crates, and bicycle or scooter bags.

“The plastic bag has played a significant role in our daily lives for years,” said Verpact CEO, who leads the Supporter van Schoon initiative. “But it’s clear we’ve reached a turning point. It’s fantastic to see more and more Dutch consumers opting for reusable bags, not only for grocery shopping but also for clothing and gift shopping.”

The survey highlights a difference between men and women in their use of reusable bags. Among women, 92 percent bring a reusable bag for grocery shopping, compared to 80 percent of men. For clothing purchases, 79 percent of women use a reusable bag, compared to 60 percent of men. In other types of shopping, 84 percent of women opt for reusable bags, versus 69 percent of men.

Despite the shift toward reusable bags, some consumers still rely on single-use plastic bags in certain situations. The two main reasons cited were forgetting to bring a reusable bag (46 percent) and making an unexpected purchase (37 percent).

The decline in single-use plastic bags is partly attributed to a 2016 policy banning free plastic bags in the Netherlands. Retailers have since been required to charge customers for plastic bags, encouraging the use of reusable alternatives and reducing waste.