Over the coming months, LCBO is phasing out single-use paper bags from retail stores as part of our commitment to minimize our impact on the environment and create a more sustainable Ontario. This initiative will remove almost 135 million paper bags annually from LCBO retail stores and convenience outlets; diverting 2,665 tonnes of waste from landfill and saving the equivalent of more than 188,000 trees every year.
Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bag when shopping in-store. Alternatively, they will have the option to purchase a reusable bag or request a re-used cardboard box or an 8-pack carrier at no cost. For a limited time, LCBO will be also offering a reusable cooler bag for sale starting May 24 – just in time for summer celebrations.
“Fifteen years ago, we took the lead to remove single-use plastic bags from our stores. Now, the removal of single-use paper bags is another important step in our efforts to minimize our impact on the environment,” said George Soleas, President & CEO, LCBO. “We know that our customers believe strongly in our initiatives to innovate on packaging and create less waste. We thank them for always driving us to do more to create a more sustainable Ontario and for their support through this transition.”
This announcement comes as LCBO wraps up our Shine Sustainably campaign, our second environmental campaign under our Spirit of Sustainability platform, which spotlights our partnership with Tree Canada / Arbres Canada and our goal of planting one million trees across Ontario through reforestation programs, community tree grants, and partners in planting initiatives. As part of the campaign, LCBO customers and employees raised more than $820,000 for Tree Canada through in-store donations to help fund community planting and forest building initiatives.