Morrisons' paper bag switch is bad for global warming, say critics

Production and disposal of paper bags has greater climate impact than plastic, says Environment Agency

Experts have criticised Morrisons’ decision to switch from plastic to paper bags for fruit and vegetables, branding it a retrograde step for efforts to tackle climate change.

This week the supermarket ditched transparent plastic bags in favour of recyclable paper ones, in a move it said was prompted by customers’ worries over pollution. But the step is likely to have unintended consequences and trade one environmental challenge for another.

Related: Supermarkets under pressure to reveal amount of plastic they create

Why is plastic being demonised?

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