Uniqlo Parent to Slash Single-Use Plastic

Fast Retailing continues to push sustainability, and its latest effort is aimed at single-use plastic, particularly carry bags. The parent of Uniqlo revealed today that it aims to reduce the use of unnecessary plastic throughout its supply chain, beginning with single-use plastic handed to shoppers in the form of bags and product packaging. The goal is to cut such usage by 85 percent, or 7,800 tons a year, by the end of 2020. Shoppers instead will receive eco-friendly paper bags – unless they bring their own, of course. The initiative will begin this September and eventually stretch to all of Uniqlo’s 3,500 stores worldwide. “‘Respect the Environment’ is one of Fast Retailing’s six priorities for sustainability, and the group is proceeding to eliminate all forms of waste and establish a business with minimal impact on the environment,” the company said in a statement. “Environmental pollution from plastic waste is a growing concern worldwide, and Fast Retailing is taking action to reduce unnecessary single-use plastic from its operations.” Beginning in September, stores in 12 markets worldwide, including Japan, where plastic bags are currently used will begin switching to environmentally friendly paper bags made of Forest Stewardship Council certified paper or recycled paper, Fast Retailing said.

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