Continente launches new collection of sustainable shopping bags

To promote more environmentally friendly behaviours and remind everyone what they can do for the planet, the new collection of Continente shopping bags inspires consumers with messages about the brand's good sustainability practices.


Five large size raffia bags (€ 0.50), two medium-sized (€ 0.40), one small (€ 0.30), one with bottle dividers (€ 0.50) and an isothermal bag with zipper closure (2.00 €), with graphics inspired by products such as fruits and vegetables, have all been redesigned and are available in all stores across the country. After the bags that highlighted the logo in increased size, the brand decided to use shopping bags as a means of eco-friendly messages. Also, the already existing plastic bags (€ 0.10) from physical stores as well as Continente Online, recycled paper bags (€ 0.10) and isothermal bags (€ 1.00) were included in the new collection.

Novos sacos sustentáveis Continente

With several practical examples of how Continente - inspired by the “R” policy - reduces, reuses, recovers, recycles or rethinks its daily activity, the bags also intend to encourage consumers to do the same.

For Vítor Martins, Environment Director at Sonae MC “as a leading retailer in Portugal, we have the responsibility to set an example and encourage citizenship and good environmental practices, of which the creation of the “Continente’s Responsible Plastic” platform is an unmistakable example. Reinforcing this purpose, we think that these new shopping bags, in which we tell what we have done and give some examples of what the customer can do - from the correct separation of materials for recycling to tips for reusing leftover food, fighting food waste - will also constitute an efficient means of dialogue with consumers”.

This is yet another initiative developed within the scope of the Strategy for the Responsible Use of Plastics, the implementation of which has already enabled Continente to achieve a level of savings of 4,200 tonnes per year of virgin plastic. This value represents a growth of 90% in relation to the 2,200 tonnes per year announced in April last year.

In addition to the tonnes of virgin plastic eliminated (between eliminating unnecessary plastic and replacing virgin material with recycled material), the brand also replaced 50 tonnes of low recyclability plastic (such as PVC) with other materials that are easier to recycle (such as PET) from its products. As an active agent in promoting conscious consumption habits, Continente has committed itself to anticipating by 2025, the ambition defined by the European Union for 2030, to reduce (or even eliminate when possible) the use of plastic materials of fossil origin, in regard of private label products, ensuring that they all have reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.

In 2019, Continente launched the Responsible Plastic platform that reflects its commitment, initiatives, but also national and international news, in addition to tips for better use of this material.

Privacy Preference Center