Ocado worst for plastic bags as total single-use sales rise for first time

Shoppers in England bought 437m carrier bags last year as online food shops replace supermarket trips

Plastic bag sales have risen for the first time in 10 years on the back of the so-called Ocado effect as online food shops and ultra-fast deliveries replace supermarket trips.

Shoppers in England bought 437m single-use plastic carrier bags last year, compared with 407m the year before, a rise of 7%, according to data from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.