Therefore, the plastic carrier bag becomes more expensive

Published: 01.April, 2025
Last updated: 05.December, 2025

Why has the plastic bag become so expensive?

The fee increases from 3 NOK to 4 NOK as of April 1, 2025, because the consumption of plastic bags is not decreasing quickly enough. The EU's requirement and our goal is an average of 40 plastic bags per inhabitant by the end of 2025. In Norway, we were at 70 bags at the beginning of 2025.

This means we have to reduce consumption by about 30 bags this year. This is the same reduction we have achieved in the last two years through a combination of fee increases and activity and awareness-raising measures. Therefore, we are following the same formula in 2025. Increased fees contribute to saving more by switching to reusable shopping bags, backpacks, or purses. Together with the environmental benefits, this hopefully motivates even more people to change their habits so that we reach the goal of 40 bags in 2025.

What is the point of reducing the use of plastic bags in Norway?

Norway must reduce the consumption of plastic bags because EU regulations, which Norway is part of through the EEA agreement, require a reduction in consumption.

Additionally, Norwegians have used an excessive number of plastic bags, resulting in emissions during production, transportation, and waste incineration. Therefore, it is beneficial for the environment that we eliminate unnecessary plastic bags and use shopping bags instead.

What should I use instead of plastic carrier bags?

Environmental accounts show that the best thing for the environment is to reuse items. Therefore, we recommend using a shopping bag made of polyester or nylon that you can buy where you usually shop. It is also perfectly fine to use a backpack or bag that you already have.

For your waste, we recommend using bin liners on a roll, as they are much thinner, so you don't use as much plastic as before. The bags on a roll can also come in several sizes and often fit better in the container under your kitchen sink.

Where does the money I pay for the bag go?

Many stores and chains in Norway are members of the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund and pay a fee on plastic bags to the fund. From April 1st, the fee is NOK 4, so for every plastic bag you purchase from one of the members, NOK 4 now goes to the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund.

The CEO of the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund, Cecilie Lind, is clear about the awareness consumers should have

"As a consumer, it is important to be aware that not all stores pay the fee, but keep the entire bag revenue themselves. So if you are in a store and find the bags expensive, we recommend checking if the store contributes to the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund or simply pockets the money."