One supermarket chain is taking things a step further than others to stop the use of plastic bags.

Commonsense Organics is phasing out its biodegradable corn-starch plastic bags in favour of reusable bags, cardboard boxes, and bags customers can borrow.

It's encouraging customers to bring reusable bags or take cardboard boxes.

It follows moves by Countdown and New World to phase out plastic bags at most stores by the end of next year.

But co-owner Marion Woods said they're also letting customers borrow bags if they need them.

"They can borrow one of our bags and bring them back next time they shop. We trust our customers and by and large that works."

Woods can't believe how quickly plastic bags are becoming a thing of the past.

"I'm gobsmacked at the speed of which this whole issue is moving, and it's been driven by customers which is fantastic!"