British plastics industry fears for recycling sector in wake of potential carrier bag exemption
The British plastics industry expresses its disappointment that the UK Government is considering to press ahead with plans for a potential exemption to the single use carrier bag levy for biodegradable plastic bags.
"Such a move would not only be contrary to the recommendations of the Government's own Environmental Audit Committee but is also opposed by virtually all organizations in the plastics sector, including material suppliers, packaging manufacturers and plastics recyclers," said Roger Baynham, British Plastics Federation (BPF)'s Recycling Group Chairman.
The exemption is a false and ambiguous message sent to the public, and puts in jeopardy the plastics recycling sector as confidence in the quality of recyclates will be undermined, warned BPF.
"Over the last three years, the UK has seen the emergence of significant infrastructure to support plastics recycling. This is at a critical stage where it is necessary for these investments to demonstrate profitable growth and to meet the needs of higher overall recycling targets. This policy exemption could undermine these businesses due to the potential for contamination," said Mr Baynham.
Philip Law, Director General of the BPF, speaking on behalf of the wider industry grouping Plastics2020, echoed, "The proposed exemption would be discriminatory and would only serve to distort the market and promote littering."
It would be very difficult for average consumer to segregate and collect different kinds of plastic bags as they appear very similar, he explained, adding that the proposal seemed to justify the irresponsible behavior of the users.
He also believed such move will harm the thriving plastics recycling sector and put paid to further progress in meeting Government's ambitious recycling targets.
Jacob Hayler, Executive Director at the Environmental Services Association (ESA), also commented on the matter.
"ESA supports Plastics 2020 in calling for no exemption for biodegradable bags. Unless we can be sure that such bags will not end up in the plastics recycling route, which is very difficult indeed, the bags will undermine confidence in recycled plastics, but also risk getting stuck in sorting equipment at MRFs in the same way as plastic bags. A simple system that encourages reusable bags, and ideally also recycled content, would be much better."
