Leading organic certifier, Organic Farmers & Growers, has hailed the introduction of compostable carrier bags as a great success after selling out of its first consignment.
OF&G was the first UK certifier to launch its own line of branded compostable bags.
An initial batch of 10,000 have quickly been sold. The company has now taken delivery of 20,000 more, which are available to order via its website (www.organicfarmers.org.uk).
OF&G Development Officer, Steven Jacobs, introduced the bags, which break down in compost within three to four months, after extensive research.
He explained: "After introducing a range of degradable bags we began looking for even more sustainable options. Once we had been able to satisfy ourselves that these compostable vest bags really lived up to the claim, and that they were from sources that did not take land out of food production, we were happy to make them available.
"It is very pleasing that the organic retail community has taken this opportunity with open arms and we have now re-stocked to keep up with the demand."
OF&G continues to subsidise the cost of the bags, although prices have had to rise to 7.5p each due to the cost of materials, up from 6p when they were introduced.
Steven added: "It is a sign of the times that we haven"e;t been able to hold the cost down, but were still underwriting them because of the benefits they bring and we"e;ve maintained a minimum order level of just 100 bags, to keep them in everyone"e;s price range. We are also avoiding adding postage costs to the price because we want to see as many of these bags replacing traditional carriers as possible."
The bags are available to OF&G licensees and non-licensees alike and are ready for order now.
As well as organic food and farming certification, OF&G also operates composting certification (to the PAS 100 standard and Quality Compost Protocol) on behalf of the Association for Organics Recycling (formerly the Composting Association).
