Kaufland introduces bag cents: environmental protection or brazen greenwashing?

Kaufland introduces bag cents: environmental protection or brazen greenwashing?

Kaufland causes a stir with a new measure - both for bargain hunters and environmentalists. Since the beginning of the year, customers have had to pay a symbolic amount of a cent for the so-called OUG bags, the plastic bags for fruit and vegetables. This measure is intended to encourage customers to deal with disposable plastic more consciously and choose sustainable alternatives. Julia Herrmann, head of the goods business at Kaufland, said in a press release that the fee serves to set a sign of a more sustainable handling of plastic and to improve the range in the long term. Berlin Live reports that the use of these bags in Germany was over 2,25 billion, which was a considerable amount Represents plastic waste.

But the intention of Kaufland is met with sharp criticism. Barbara Metz, federal manager of the German Environmental Aid (DUH), described the proposal as "hard to beat in terms of audacity". In her opinion, a fee of a cent is far too low to achieve a real steering effect; An increase to at least 20 cents would be necessary to persuade consumers to change behavior. From the point of view of the DUH, the disposable plastic bags should immediately disappear from the range, since the European Parliament decided to ban them until January 1, 2030.

criticism and headwind

The criticism describes Kaufland's decision as the brazen Greenwashing. Instead of removing the bags directly from the range, the company wants to continue to benefit from customers until the ban. This view is shared by other retailers. Aldi introduced the concept of the bag center in 2019, while competitors like Rewe partially rely on free Oug plastic bags. Rewe argues that the use of these bags is hygienic and resource -saving while at the same time trying to drive new sustainable alternatives. In contrast, the Edeka Group points out that sustainable decisions are left to the individual markets.

The considerations of the environmental compatibility of purchase decisions are further fueled by the explosive discussion. The consumer advice centers have found that the thin plastic bags are used on average only for 20 minutes before they end up in the waste. The offensive introduction of reusable complaints and egg cartons on the part of Kaufland shows a commitment to sustainability, but remains behind what many consumers consider.

ways into the future

The debate about the bag cent is representative of the challenges that retailers and consumers are faced with plastic waste. The opinion that Kaufland relies more on marketing than real environmental changes with its measure could have long -term effects on customer behavior and brand perception. Many consumers already tend to use sustainable alternatives such as jute bags or reusable nets without additional costs to make a contribution to environmental protection.

The challenge for Kaufland and the entire industry remains how you can increase sales and at the same time act sustainably. The future -oriented orientation will be essential, especially in view of the upcoming legal changes in Europe that come into force from 2030. In view of this background, it remains to be seen how Kaufland and other retailers will react to the growing criticism and requirements of the market.

For many consumers, the persistent debate on the use of plastic bags and the introduction of sustainable alternatives will be decisive in order to make more responsible purchase decisions in the future. The possibility of acting ecologically and saving costs could be the key to a permanent change in behavior.

For further information on the backgrounds and reactions from the industry, you can also read the report of Infranken .