Valorlux's 'Eco-bag' has been a fixture for two decades, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags since its introduction in 2004. But how often are we actually reusing them?

It has been humorously cited as possible grounds for divorce on forums – the sight of yet another Eco-bag arriving back from the shops. "I think we have about 40 or 50 Eco-bags; they are taking over my home," lamented one commentator on Reddit.

An additional, not-easily-foldable Eco-bag being heaped on the ever growing pile certainly appears to grind some people's gears.

And with good reason. According to Valorlux, there is a suspicion that these practical totes are not always used ecologically, in line with their purpose.

In 2024, 23.7% of respondents using Eco-bags in supermarkets said they bought more than ten of them a year.

Excessive number 

"In various waste streams [resource centres, residual waste], we see many Eco-bags and other reusable shopping bags that look brand new, which gives an indication as to the excessive number of reusable bags people have at home," according to a spokesperson for Valorlux.

So how many of these durable bags should people have at home, ideally?

"People should have as many as are necessary in order to cover their needs. Having a few spare Eco-bags, of both sizes, can be useful to put them in different places (car, bags, cupboard at work), enabling people to always have one on hand in the different situations when they might need one," the non-profit organisation suggests.

In its current advertising campaign, Valorlux underscores the reality that an Eco-bag not used is bad for the environment. This is because they are not designed to be used only once, it points out.

"It is ten times heavier than a lightweight carrier bag, meaning it needs ten times more resources to make."

Read also – Luxembourg among top recyclers in Europe

EU targets 

And with European Union waste reduction targets looming large, the Eco-bag is becoming more and more important for Luxembourg shoppers.

By December 2025, the EU aims to limit the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags to 40 per person.

"Reducing the use of those bags prevents waste creation and lowers the impact on the environment [less use of resources, less littering, etc.]," Valorlux emphasises.

The latest push aims to encourage people to find their own way to remember to bring their Eco-bag when going shopping, while acknowledging it's possible to not always be on the ball.

"If the consumer has forgotten their Eco-bag anyway, we recommend they use the thinner and smaller 'Please forget me' bags that are sold for that specific situation."

Key message

So the key message is – just don't forget yours! Have a hack that works best for you, such as keeping your Eco-bag in your car or backpack – wherever it will be found and remembered, it adds.

"The simplest way is usually the most effective."