Locally-owned supermarket Spinneys has committed to putting a stop to single-use plastic bags in its stores across the UAE.

In line with the new policy set by The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to ban single-use plastics at all checkouts starting from 1st June in Abu Dhabi and 1st July in its Dubai stores.

As part of Spinneys’ action plan, the supermarket has launched a new range of bespoke, premium tote bags made from 100% sustainable materials and upcycled Spinneys plastic bags, in partnership with Peahead Eco – a Dubai-based award-winning sustainable artist.

Designed to be a multi-purpose statement tote bag, the limited-edition shopper has been ethically handmade by local craftspeople in Ajman using up-cycled single-use Spinneys bags and even sustainably sourced and harvested cork leather.

The bags are exclusively sold in Spinneys and will be available in select stores from today, 1st of June.

"Spinneys is committed to leading on environmental and social initiatives and believes that everyone must work together to reduce single-use shopping bags. Spinneys’ view is that single-use bags are unnecessary as there are so many reusable alternatives available," the company said.

These latest initiatives form part of Spinneys’ ‘Let’s Close the Loop’ campaign, a commitment by the retailer to work towards a circular waste management system and help close the loop on the plastics economy.