Plastic-free shopping is in the bag with Metro's new reusable produce bags

MONTREAL , Oct. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Metro Inc. is taking another step toward eliminating plastic bags by becoming the first Canadian food retailer to offer reusable produce bags in all of its stores across Quebec (Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Marché Richelieu) and Ontario (Metro).

Arriving in stores by the end of November, the reusable mesh bags will be available as an alternative to the rolls of plastic bags currently found throughout the produce section. Each set of four bags will be sold for $4.99 .

"This measure is yet another initiative by Metro Inc. to reduce the use of plastic bags and to respond to the needs of Metro customers. In a recent internal survey, 50% of our customers expressed concern about the over-packaging of fruits and vegetables." explained Christian Bourbonnière, senior vice president, Quebec Division, Metro Inc.

The same survey also revealed that 77% of customers are making efforts to limit their use of plastic bags when buying fruits and vegetables, while 76% said they would be interested in buying reusable produce bags. According to the same survey, 87% of customers prefer to buy individual fruits and vegetables instead of pre-packaged ones.

The Quebec Environment Foundation, who has been encouraging customers to use reusable bags for over five years now, is thrilled about this new initiative from Metro Inc. "The reduction in the usage of plastic bags is one of our main priorities and we're happy to see that a major retailer like Metro Inc. is doing their part to help us reach our goal," said Claude Hill , Vice-President, Finances and General Director of the Foundation.

About Metro Inc.

With nearly $11 billion in annual sales and more than 65,000 employees, Metro Inc. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical sectors in Quebec and Ontario, where it operates a network of some 600 grocery stores under several banners, including Metro, Metro Plus, A&P, Super C and Food Basics, as well as over 250 pharmacies under the Brunet, Brunet Plus, Clini Plus, The Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.

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For further information: Marie-Claude Bacon, Director, Corporate Affairs, Metro inc., [phone], [email protected]; Claude Hill, Vice-president and General Manager, Fondation québécoise en environnement, [phone]