KV Mart Offering Re-Usable Bags for Stores Affected by Bag Ban

In response to a new law passed by Los Angeles County Supervisors that bans single-use plastic grocery bags, Carson, Calif.-based independent KV Mart teamed up with a manufacturing company that has developed durable, reusable plastic bags that are also recyclable for customers of the four KV Mart stores affected by the ban.

Under the ban, which takes effect July 1, customers who don’t bring their own bags will need to purchase them at checkout. Those shoppers at KV Mart’s affected stores (in Lennox, East Los Angeles, San Pedro, and Whittier) will have the option to purchase its special bags for 10 to 25 cents.

The KV Mart bags have at least 60 percent recycled content, with 30 percent of the content post consumer recycled plastic, and are printed with water-based inks instead of solvents. When the bags are recycled, they are used to make more bags or other products, the grocer said.

KV Mart is offering free samples of its reusable bags with a minimum purchase on June 29 and June 30 at its four stores affected by the ban.

For information about the actual ordinance passed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and a list of stores affected, visit: http://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/aboutthebag/ordinance_stores.cfm

KV Mart operates 25 stores mainly under the Valu Plus Food Warehouse and Top Valu Super Markets banners.