Primark shoppers will recall that the popular high-street fashion retailer was one of the few to resist introducing bag fees at checkout, but that’s about to change. The affordable store is famous for its iconic brown paper bags, which have become a symbol of a Primark shopping trip.
Primark’s decision to start charging customers for paper carrier bags stems from its commitment to environmental sustainability. The company wrote on its website: “Our famous brown bags are made from a natural and renewable resource, and are 100% recyclable. This results in the minimum amount of waste possible. Simple. So they might not be that great in the rain, but they’re great for the environment, and we think that’s pretty amazing.”
In a further effort to reduce its environmental impact, Primark has announced a date for introducing a fee for its previously complimentary brown paper bags. Primark said: “Across our business, we use thousands of paper bags every day. While our paper bags are made from 100% recycled and recyclable materials, we’re always looking for ways to cut down on single-use waste. That’s why from Monday, May 12, 2025, we’ll be introducing a 15p charge on all paper bags, whether small, medium, or large.”
The Primark spokesperson continued: “We’re committed to being part of the solution when it comes to clothing and non-clothing waste, and this change is just one of the small steps we’re taking. We hope it inspires more customers to make the switch to reusable bags.”
Despite the environmental benefits of encouraging shoppers to bring their own bags, some people have been unimpressed by the new fee. Taking to TikTok, one user called Holly Louise uploaded a video of herself looking pretty unhappy, captioned: “From May 12, our paper bags will cost 15p.”
In the caption, she wrote: “The day has finally come when Primark start charging for paper bags.” Since being uploaded yesterday (May 5), the video has been watched more than 1.2 million times.
The response in the comments was mixed. One person questioned the policy, saying: “Pretty sure paper bags should always be free? Or I’m being silly haha.”
Another added: “Wasn’t the whole thing about recycling of plastic… so why we getting charged for paper bags?”.
One offered a different take: “As someone who works in retail, you all need to get a grip when it comes to bag charges. If you don’t want to pay for them, then bring your own or just don’t have one, it’s not that deep.”