Scottish Government Single Use Carrier Bags Charge Partner Toolkit
Carrier Bags Toolkit Contents 1. Introduction: What is the Carrier Bags campaign? 2. What is this toolkit for and how can you use it? 3. Campaign key messages, facts and statistics 4. Briefing materials for staff and elected members 5. Template media release 6. Website / newsletters / e-zine 7. Campaign creative 8. Social media 9. Q&A 10. Useful links and contacts 1
Introduction: What is the Carrier Bags campaign? From 20 th October 2014 all retailers in Scotland will charge a mandatory fee of at least 5p for each new paper or plastic carrier bag people use when they are shopping (these are known as single use carrier bags, or bags designed to be disposed of after one use). The charge doesn t just apply at supermarkets and grocers, it applies everywhere from supermarkets and corner shops to takeaways and clothes shops. The Scottish Government has introduced the mandatory charge to reduce the number of bags that could become litter. On Thursday 25 th September, the Scottish Government launched a public information campaign to remind Scottish people that the charge is coming into effect and encourage them to remember to take their own bags with them when shopping and save at least 5p. This campaign will include radio and press advertising, partnerships, PR and social media. 2
Who is this toolkit for and how can you use it? Scotland-wide involvement from individuals, businesses, local authorities, community groups and other organisations is vital to ensure Scottish people are fully informed about the charge and how by bringing their own bags they can avoid the charge and reduce the number of bags that become litter. We want people across Scotland to remember that: From 20 th October, every new paper or plastic shopping bag will carry a mandatory charge of at least 5p The charge doesn t just apply at supermarkets and grocers; it applies everywhere from supermarkets and corner shops to takeaways and clothes shops. Remember to take your carrier bags with you when you go shopping and save yourself at least 5p You can play an important role in spreading this message, and we want to make it easy for you to do so. This toolkit can be used to communicate with your staff, elected members, customers and the general public. Please feel free to tailor your messaging according to your local audiences and communication channels. Thank you for your support. 3
Key Messages Here are the key messages for the Carrier Bags campaign. Remember to take your carrier bags with you when you go shopping and save yourself at least 5p From 20 th October 2014 all retailers in Scotland will charge a mandatory fee of at least 5p for each new single use paper or plastic carrier bag you use when shopping The charge doesn t just apply at supermarkets and grocers, it applies everywhere from supermarkets and corner shops to takeaways and high street retailers The Scottish Government has introduced the mandatory charge to reduce the number of bags that could become litter. Keeping Scotland free from litter is central to making sure Scotland s people have clean, safe places to live, work and play You can avoid the charge by bringing your own bags. Bags for life are available at very low cost at many supermarkets Retailers will be encouraged to donate the net proceeds of the charge to good causes of their choice. The Scottish Government is keen to see environmental protection and litter prevention charities benefit from the donations. Retailers can formalise their donation pledge through singing up to the Carrier Bag Commitment (for more information see http://carrierbagchargescotland.org.uk/). Facts and statistics Last year shoppers at Scotland s main chain supermarkets used 800 million new single use shopping bags a year, which is more per head than the rest of the UK Similar charges have been introduced in Wales and Northern Ireland, which have since seen drops in new bag use of around 80 and 70 per cent respectively. Some retailers already charge for bags as part of their own environmental impact plans, and a 5p fee is being considered in England Council litter collectors in Scotland pick up an estimated 7.4 million bags a year. 4
Briefing notes for staff/elected members Please feel free to draw on information in previous pages as briefing materials for your staff and/or elected members. Alternatively, you may find the short briefing notes below useful: 1. What s happening? From 20 th October 2014 all retailers in Scotland will charge a mandatory fee of at least 5p for each new paper or plastic carrier bag people use when they are shopping. The charge doesn t just apply at supermarkets and grocers, it applies everywhere from supermarkets and corner shops to takeaways and high street retailers. The Scottish Government wants to remind people to bring their own bags with them when they go shopping so they can save themselves the charge and also help reduce the number of bags that become litter. 2. Why is the Scottish Government introducing this charge? The Scottish Government has introduced the mandatory charge to reduce the number of bags that could become litter. They are very visible litter, which blights Scotland s natural and built environment, and council litter collectors pick up an estimated 7.4 million bags a year. Plastic bags in particular are made from non-sustainable means, such as oil and trees, and are harmful to animals; marine litter kills an estimated million seabirds and 100,000 animals a year globally. Last year shoppers at Scotland s main supermarket chains used 800 million new single use shopping bags, which is more per head than the rest of the UK. Similar charges have been introduced in Wales and Northern Ireland, which have since seen drops in new bag use of around 80 and 70 per cent respectively. Some retailers already charge for bags as part of their own environmental impact plans, and a 5p fee is being considered in England. 3. What should I say to customers/constituents who complain and accuse me of trying take more money/impose a stealth tax? Remind them that the Scottish Government has introduced this charge and that it is mandatory on all retailers; point-of-sale material has clear Scottish Government branding to reinforce this point. The Scottish Government does not receive any of the proceeds from the charge; retailers are being encouraged to donate the net proceeds to good causes of their choice. The Scottish Government is keen to see environmental protection and litter prevention charities benefit from the donations. The charge has been introduced to help reduce the use of bags and the subsequent number of bags that become litter and blight Scotland s natural and manmade environment. 5
Template media release If you re planning to contact your local newspaper or radio station about the national litter campaign, you may find the template media release below useful. Please remember to tailor it accordingly before distribution. NEWS RELEASE For immediate release Remember your bags and save 5p, says [insert name of organisation] [Organisation customers/area residents] are encouraged to remember reusable bags to avoid a 5p minimum charge for single-use carrier bags from October. Under Scottish Government regulations coming into effect on 20 October, all retailers in Scotland will charge a mandatory fee of at least 5p for each new single use carrier bag given to shoppers. The charge will apply whether the bag is made of plastic, paper, biodegradable material or bioplastic. [Organisation customers/area residents] can avoid the new charge by using their own bags for example bags for life, which are available at very low cost at many supermarkets. [Organisation] also urges Scots to remember their bags every time they go shopping and not to forget them if they re in the back of the car. The Scottish Government has introduced the mandatory charge to reduce the number of bags that could become litter. [Spokesperson for organisation] said: It s important to remember that this charge doesn t just apply at supermarkets and grocers; it applies everywhere from supermarkets and corner shops to takeaways and high street retailers. So please, whenever you go shopping, remember your bag you ll save at least 5p a bag and at the same time help prevent the number of shopping bags that become litter. Under the new regulations, retailers are being encouraged to donate the net proceeds of the charge to a good cause of their choice. [Insert announcement about where you are donating, if you feel it appropriate]. Last year, shoppers at Scotland s main supermarket chains used 800 million new single-use shopping bags, which is more per head than the rest of the UK. Similar charges have been introduced in Wales and Northern Ireland, which have since seen drops in new bag use of around 80% and 70% respectively, a 5p fee is being considered in England. For more information on the charges and the types of bags included visit cleanerscotland.org. ENDS Notes to editors 6
The Scottish Government has introduced the charge to reduce the number of bags that become litter. They are very visible litter, which blights Scotland s natural and built environment, and council litter collectors pick up an estimated 7.4 million bags a year. Plastic bags in particular are made from non-sustainable means, such as oil and trees, and are harmful to animals; marine litter kills an estimated million seabirds and 100,000 animals a year globally. The regulations cover bags made from the following materials: plastic; paper or mainly paper; natural starch (bioplastics); and other plant-based materials (except cotton, flax, hemp, jute or sisal). For more information on the charges and the types of bags included visit cleanerscotland.org. 7
Website/newsletters/e-zine If you plan to include information on the litter campaign in your newsletters, e-zines or online, you may want to use some or all of the following text: Remember your bags and save 5p Scots are being reminded to use reusable bags to avoid new charge of at least 5p for each new single use carrier bag from 20 th October. New Scottish Government regulations mean all retailers will charge a mandatory fee of at least 5p for each new single use bag given to shoppers. The charge will apply whether the bag is made of plastic, paper, biodegradable material or bioplastic. Shoppers can avoid the new charge by using their own bags for example bags for life, which are available at very low cost at many supermarkets. Scots are also urged to remember them when they go shopping and not forget them if they re in the back of the car. The charge doesn t just apply at supermarkets and grocers; it applies everywhere from supermarkets and corner shops to takeaways and high street retailers. The Scottish Government has introduced the mandatory charge to reduce the number of bags that could become litter. The government won t receive any of the money collected from charges; retailers are encouraged to donate the net proceeds to good causes of their choice. Retailers can formalise their donation pledge through singing up to the Carrier Bag Commitment (for more information see carrierbagchargescotland.org.uk). For more information on the charges and the types of bags included visit cleanerscotland.org. 8
Creative content A file of creative material is provided alongside this toolkit for your use and information. Here are some examples of the creative content. 9
Social media We d be grateful if you could also provide support via your social media channels. You can like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: Our Facebook page is here facebook.com/gogreenertogether Our YouTube channel is here youtube.com/scottishgovernment Our Twitter handle is @Greener2gethr Here are a few examples of tweets you can use to let people know about the carrier bags campaign, using #bringyourbag and #save5p. We recommend embedding Ernie the elephant graphics in your tweets and Facebook posts for the maximum impact: Remember me and save 5p! [for use with Ernie graphic] #bringyourbag Have you got your bag for life yet? Get one, take it shopping & save at least 5p #bringyourbag Let s stop shopping bags becoming litter. Take your own bag, save 5p and help keep Scotland beautiful #bringyourbag Have you got your bag for life? Don t leave it in the car boot! #bringyourbag #save5p Here are some examples of Facebook posts you may want to use: Remember me and save 5p! [for use with Ernie graphic]. Take your own bags with you when shopping and avoid the charge of at least 5p Did you know that 7.4 million shopping bags become litter in Scotland each year? Get your bag for life, take it with you when you go shopping. Not only will you avoid a charge of at least 5p for new bags, you ll be helping prevent litter and keeping Scotland beautiful Remember your bags when you go shopping. And if you pack them in the car, don t forget them when you get to the shops! 10
Q&A The following Q&A is to help you prepare for any media interviews, staff discussions or questions from members of the public. Why has Scotland decided to introduce a levy on single use carrier bags? The Scottish Government s decision to introduce a charge follows a public consultation which concluded that such a charge offers environmental and social benefits in line with ambitions to tackle litter and promote behaviours consistent with a zero waste society. When will the charge come into force? The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Regulations 2014 will come into force on 20 th October 2014. How many carrier bags are currently used in Scotland and how does this compare with other parts of the UK? Last year, shoppers at Scotland s main supermarket chains used 800 million single use bags, which is more per head than in any other part of the UK. Similar charges introduced in Wales and Northern Ireland have resulted in an 80 and 70 per cent reduction in carrier bag use respectively. The introduction of a 5p charge in England from 2015 is being considered. What will it mean for shoppers? It will mean that all shoppers in Scotland will be charged a minimum of 5p for each single use carrier bag they take in all Scottish shops, both in-store and online, regardless of material type, except in certain agreed circumstances where exemptions are agreed. What is the requirement for retailers? Retailers in Scotland are required to charge for any bag which is used for the purpose of delivering or taking away an item from where it is purchased. There are two main requirements for retailers: to charge 5p minimum for each new single use carrier bag issued to shoppers at the place of sale, for the purpose of taking the goods away. This includes online purchases or click and collect Where 10 or more full-time equivalent (FTE) staff are employed, to keep, supply and retain information on bags supplied and monies received as a result of the charge. 11
What types of carrier bag are included? Is this not just plastic? The charge will apply to all single use carrier bags, including those that are plastic, paper, biodegradable or bio-plastic. Why does the scheme apply to all types of carrier bag and not just plastic? All bags, including those made of paper or other materials have a negative effect if dropped as litter. Additionally, all bags have an impact on the environment through the materials used, their manufacture, distribution and treatment at end of life, with paper bags having more environmental impact in their production than other materials. It s important that people re-use bags as many times as possible to keep this to a minimum. Is the scheme the same as in Wales and what is going to happen in England? The charge in Scotland will be broadly similar to that which has been introduced in Wales, with notable success. The proposals for England differ in that they include exemptions for small businesses and for bags made from plant based materials. What bags are exempt from the charge? Detailed guidance is available. Exemptions include the following: Small bags can always be supplied free of charge Bags of a certain size used to contain packaged uncooked meat, poultry and fish Bags used solely to contain exempted items Bags of any size used to contain items purchased in airports and on board vehicles Specialist bags A mail order or courier bag Further exemptions are still under consideration by the Scottish Government. I thought this was just for supermarkets. Is it for all shops? The charge will be applicable to all retailers who hand out single use carrier bags in Scotland. This means any person who sells goods from a place in Scotland (including online purchases and suppliers based in Scotland who distribute goods out of the country). 12
Where will the proceeds from the charge go? The 5p charge belongs to the retailer and it s up to individual businesses to decide how proceeds are used. The Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland are encouraging all retailers to sign up to the Carrier Bag Commitment. This voluntary agreement asks retailers to donate to a good cause and to record the number of bags sold and how the money was used through a central portal. Signing up to the Commitment keeps the process of reporting simple, and also provides retailers with access to bespoke collateral. How will the carrier bag charge be policed, who will oversee and enforce it? How? Enforcement of the regulations will be under the jurisdiction of Scottish local authorities, through their trading standard teams. 13
Useful links and contacts http://carrierbagchargescotland.org.uk/ http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/category/subject/carrier-bags For PR support and advice: Simon Ebbett or Shaun Bell at Stripe Communications, on 0131 561 8628 or shoppingbags@stripecommunications.com 14