Greggs has announced its bakeries in Gedling borough will now charge customers 5p for paper bags.
The bakery giant, which has a string of stores across the area, sparked anger following the announcement.
The profits from the sales are to go to its Greggs Foundation charity, which supports good causes in local communities, claims Greggs.
The decision has been met with an angry backlash from customers, with many pointing out that the government levy only applies to plastic bags – which the chain previously phased out.
Retailers with 250 or more full-time equivalent employees have to charge a minimum of 5p for plastic bags in stores and for deliveries, but smaller shops and paper bags are not included.
Andy Jacob from Arnold took to social media and expressed anger at the move.
He said: “This charges will put people off moving over to paper. They don’t need to charge for this, only plastic. I hope the money is really going to charity”
“I’ll be trying smaller places in Arnold for my daily sausage roll. Those 5ps all add up.”
The bakery isn’t the only retailer to charge for paper bags in the area. Morrisons also charge 25p for paper carrier bags. The retailer said profits from bags were being invested in plastic reduction initiatives.
There are lots of Gregg’s paper bags dumped in the street when people have finished eating their pasties etc, so personally from an environmental perspective I think it’s a wise move?!