Partner Article

Carrier bags no more

A North East engineering company has developed a new shopping trolley that could provide a green solution to a growing environmental problem.

Business partners Ray Fenwick and Ian Fearon of Joma Engineering in Gateshead came up with the idea for a new trolley design after hearing that plastic carrier bags were being phased out by supermarkets all over the world.

The prototype trolley, which has taken twelve months to develop, works by suspending four biodegradable bags across the trolley on nylon rods. The bags can hold the same capacity as conventional trolleys and the customer simply takes out their shopping at the checkout and places the items back into the bags after paying for them.

Ray said: “I got the idea from looking at files in a filing cabinet and realised that a hook system was what was needed for these trolleys. The trolley has been designed with no front so that the bags can be easily taken from the trolley and placed directly into the boot of a car.”

Ray and Ian are confident that a large supermarket chain will trial the trolleys to demonstrate their commitment to the green issue. Market research and testing have revealed further advantages to the new trolley, beyond the positive environmental impact.

Ian said: “We’ve had the trolley tested in a local mini market and it is very manoeuvrable and holds the same amount as a conventional trolley. We’ve also found that the bags remain upright in the back of cars and are more comfortable to carry for those using public transport or walking.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .