Singaporeans who love to shop at H&M, take note.

No more plastic bags

The fashion chain will be charging S$0.10 for every plastic or paper bag starting July 25, according to an announcement by the retailer on July 15, 2019.

The move is part of H&M's strategy to cut out unnecessary packaging, increasing reusable materials and increasing the use of recycled plastic packaging by 2025, reported CNA.

All proceeds from the extra charge will go towards innovative idea for alternative eco-friendly materials, research into plastic pollution as well as conservation projects.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags or purchase one of H&M stores if they do not have one, said H&M.

"With this in place, we aim to encourage our customers to join us in sustainable actions by bringing their own reusable bags or purchasing them from our stores if they do not already own one."

Currently, H&M has already made steps towards a more sustainable supply chain—customers are allowed to drop off unwanted H&M clothes at an in-store recycling box.

Said WWF Singapore's chief executive officer Maureen DeRooij:

"H&M's move comes at a crucial time where we need bold action to change how plastics are produced, used and disposed of," said . "A bag charge, proven to be effective in reducing plastic use, is a crucial step that retail businesses can take to stop plastic pollution.”

Plastic Action (PACT)

The move is part of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)'s new initiative Plastic ACTion (PACT), which aims to eliminate plastic pollution by 2030, and help Singapore gear towards a circular economy.

H&M is the first fashion retailer to sign the PACT, which has seen other major companies in Singapore such as Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Accor Group, Pastamania and SaladStop! commit to wiping out plastics.

Thus far under the PACT initiative, 32 food and beverage businesses encompassing over 270 outlets in total have pledged to phase out plastic straws July 1 as well.

Top photo from Hannes / Foursquare