InterviewUS group promotes recycling vs bag bans

01 February 2008 21:04  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)-- The Textile Bag and Packaging Association is promoting plastic-bag recycling programmes versus outright bans, the trade-group's president said on Friday.

Such bans are "feel-good stuff," said association President Mike Lawrentz. "I would rather see good recycling practices."

Bag bans could create new environmental problems, Lawrentz said. Some degradable bags break down into tiny flakes of polyethylene (PE), which would still persist in landfills.

Some city and state governments have already opted for such programmes over bans.

The New York City Council adopted a law requiring many stores to establish recycling programmes for plastic bags. Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island are considering similar programmes, according to the American Chemistry Council.

However, San Francisco passed a law last year banning most disposable plastic bags that are not recyclable. Earlier this year, US grocer Whole Foods Market said it would stop using disposable plastic bags by 22 April.

A state legislator in Vermont has introduced legislation banning PE in mineral bags used to feed livestock, he said. If passed, the ban would do little to limit PE consumption, since so little is used in mineral bags.

The bag association also is encouraging the production of bags that consume less plastic.

In addition, Lawrentz's company, Lawgix International, produces recyclable multi-use bags made out of polypropylene (PP).

By: Al Greenwood
+1 713 525 2645

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly