28 Feb 2007


Print	Email

Plastic bag debate rumbles on


independent

THE debate over the use of plastic and paper bags by the retail trade continues.

The Packaging and Industrial Films Association (PIFA), which represents producers and distributors of plastic bags in the retail sector, has given its backing to a Government initiative to reduce the environmental impacts of paper and plastic bags by 25% at the end of 2008.

The aim of the initiative is to reduce the use of plastic bags and encourage customers to re-use them while also promoting greater recycling.

PIFA was on a panel of retailers and waste experts that worked with environment minister Ben Bradshaw to help secure the new voluntary code.

It was revealed that taxing plastic bags in the Republic of Ireland proved costly to the environment as retailers switched to paper and as a result customers were forced to use more bin liners.

Proposals for retailers include promoting stronger, reusable carrier bags and advising customers on the nearest recycling facilities.

Email this to a friend