Plastic bag debate resurfaces

The call for an EU response to tackle the use of plastic bags in the region has resurfaced after a public consultation found that 70 per cent of respondents believed an EU ban on plastic carrier bags is needed.

15,000 EU citizens responded to the consultation, which emphasises the support for action over the issue. So far, the absence of a cohesive response has left many countries in limbo, with piecemeal plans adopted in the different nation states. Both France and Italy have attempted to ban the use of plastic bags outright, but have faced intervention from the EU over the legality of such action. Austria has urged the European Commission to clarify the situation and either allow national bans or institute an EU-wide ban.

Reusable bags have also faced opposition, however, with research conducted in 2010 showing that the bags can be a breeding ground for dangerous food-borne bacteria and pose a serious risk to public health if they are not properly maintained, which 97 per cent of people do not do according to the study. PlasticsEurope pointed to such studies in its vigorous opposition to the ban.

Posted by Joseph Hutton