The role of local retailers in promoting reuse of plastic bags in Finland

Abstract

This thesis explores how Finnish local retailers facilitate the reusing of plastic bags and meet the sustainability commitment of the EU based on qualitative secondary data from government reports, NGOs, and retailer sustainability publications, and it also observes initiatives from K-Group, S-Group, and Lidl Finland. It emerges that awareness campaigns, pricing strategies, sustainable packaging, and NGO partnerships are some of the ways single-use plastic bag consumption is reduced. Aside from certain behavioural and resource challenges, local retailers have great potential to influence consumer behaviours effectively. The study concludes that such business practices align with Finland's commitment to the EU's plastics reduction target and to promoting a more circular and sustainable economy.