Charging shoppers 10 cents for a plastic bag and pointing out the benefits of reusing them have a significant impact on customer behaviour, the Dutch retail council says on Tuesday.

‘The combination of a financial contribution and clear communication about the impact of plastic bags on the environment has led to shops handing out fewer bags,’ the council says.

The trials encouraging people to take their own bags shopping led to a reduction in plastic bag usage of up to 77%. High street stores Blokker, Hema and Kruidvat took part in the experiment.