Page 29 - Plastics News May 2021

internAtionAL news

Washington to ban polystyrene UK Government to double

foam takeaway containers plastic bag charge in England

ashington Governor Jay Inslee is set to sign into he UK Government has decided to double the cost
Wlaw a bipartisan bill to ban polystyrene foam Tof single-use plastic bags in England from 21 May.
takeaway containers. The bill aims to ban various types of All stores, including corner shops, will comply with the
polystyrene used in food containers and increase the use increase from 5p to 10p. The government launched
of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in packaging. The the 5p levy in 2015 in an effort to cut down on sales of
ban will cover peanuts, coolers and foodware. In addition,
businesses will only be allowed to provide single-use
utensils, cups, lids and condiments if they are requested
by customers. Plastic beverage bottles, household cleaning
and personal care bottles, as well as rubbish bags, will also
be required to contain minimum levels of PCR content.
With this bill, Washington will become the seventh US
state to ban polystyrene foam takeaway containers. In the
past 13 months, New York, New Jersey and Virginia have
each passed bans on polystyrene. Environment Washington
campaign associate Mandy Apa said: “Washington’s ocean
habitats, waterways and wildlife are among the state’s
most important treasures.“By taking action to stop this
dangerous single-use product, our leaders have chosen to
put the planet over plastic. Nothing we use for five minutes single-use plastic bags. The initiative has seen plastic
should pollute our planet for generations to come.” bag sales decrease by 95% in major supermarkets. In
US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Zero Waste England, the average shopper now purchases only four
Programme director Alex Truelove said: “Polystyrene foam carrier bags from the main supermarkets a year because
of the charge. By doubling the charge and extending it
to all businesses, the government aims to reduce the
use of single-use carrier bags by small and medium-
sized businesses by 70-80%.Last March, the charge was
dropped for online deliveries in an effort to speed up
food distribution during the coronavirus (Covid-19)
outbreak. Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “The
introduction of the 5p charge has been a phenomenal
success, driving down sales of harmful plastic bags
in supermarkets by a remarkable 95%. “We know we
must go further to protect our natural environment and
oceans, which is why we are now extending this charge
to all businesses. “Over the next couple of weeks, I urge
all retailers of all sizes to make sure they are ready
containers are among the most common, harmful and for the changes, as we work together to build back
non-recyclable plastic products on the market. “Getting greener and strengthen our world-leading action to
rid of foam, and requiring other polluting products upon combat the scourge of plastic waste.” Next April, the
request, will encourage less waste and more reuse.” Last UK Government will introduce a plastic packaging tax
month, Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Representative for products containing less than 30% recycled content.
of California Alan Lowenthal reintroduced the Break Free The government is currently consulting on reforms to
from Plastic Pollution Act, which aims to address plastic introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers
pollution. and Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging.

29 May 2021 Plastics News