Many supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City charge a fee for using plastic bags.

VTV.vn - Retailers estimate that not providing free plastic bags could help reduce the number of bags used by tens of millions each year.

Statistics show that, on average, each Vietnamese consumer uses one plastic bag per day. From an item that was almost given away for free after each shopping trip, plastic bags are now being charged for at many supermarkets.

Since the beginning of the year, many supermarket chains in Ho Chi Minh City have charged for biodegradable plastic bags, aiming to encourage people to bring their own bags from home and use reusable bags to reduce plastic waste.

Customers who want to use the supermarket's plastic bags to carry their purchases must pay an additional 1,000 - 2,000 VND. If they don't bring their own bags, customers can use free cardboard boxes in the packing area, or buy environmentally friendly, reusable bags.

Representatives from major supermarkets said that initially, customers were unfamiliar with the practice, but now most have agreed. Currently, about 50-60% of customers accept using paid plastic bags. Retailers estimate that not providing free plastic bags could help reduce the number of bags used by tens of millions each year.

When plastic bags are no longer given away for free, shoppers will proactively plan better, such as bringing their own bags, choosing cardboard boxes, and gradually changing their habits to avoid using plastic bags when not absolutely necessary.

Source: https://vtv.vn/nhieu-sieu-thi-tai-tp-ho-chi-minh-tinh-phi-su-dung-tui-nylon-100260527215922581.htm