A recent report reveals that the UK has become the largest e-commerce market for plastic delivery bags among major European economies.
Since the introduction of the 5p plastic bag charge in 2015, usage in physical stores has plummeted by 98%. However, the rise of online shopping is driving a surge in plastic delivery bags, with usage projected to increase by 40% by 2030—equating to 1.3 billion bags annually and 6.9 billion over the next five years.
To prevent this trend from undermining the success of the plastic bag levy, DS Smith is urging policymakers to adapt legislation to the e-commerce boom and calling on retailers to accelerate efforts to replace plastic bags with sustainable alternatives.
The report highlights that only 9% of fashion e-commerce bags in the UK are reused or recycled, while 91%—approximately 857 million bags last year—end up in landfill or incineration. By 2030, this figure is expected to surpass 1 billion annually.
Stefano Rossi, Divisional CEO of Packaging at DS Smith, warns: “While online shopping has grown, e-commerce retailers lag behind high-street stores when it comes to replacing plastic bags. It will be tempting for businesses to fixate on price, but sticking with plastic comes at a cost – consumers don’t want it, and brands risk their reputation by ignoring that. We think legislation can and should be more demanding of us all – phasing out certain plastics to help create a level playing field that encourages innovation, investment, and healthy competition to replace plastic.”
Consumer sentiment aligns with this shift, as 67% support phasing out plastic bags when alternatives exist, and 60% prefer paper or cardboard packaging. Additionally, 51% of UK shoppers feel guilty about excessive plastic in their orders, believing retailers should take responsibility, while 46% are more likely to shop with brands that use recyclable packaging.
To tackle wider waste issues, the government’s Simpler Recycling scheme, launching on 31 March 2025, will require businesses to separate recyclables, including glass, metal, plastic, paper, and food waste. From 2026, food waste bins will become mandatory. The initiative also aims to standardise recycling regulations across the UK, eliminating local inconsistencies.
