Page 51 - Plastics News October 2018

intErnAtionAL nEwS

California to ban plastic straws UK's Packaging Scheme Forum

alifornia is the first to enact a statewide law restricting n association of environmental and packaging
Cthe use of plastic straws as Governor Jerry Brown Aproducer compliance schemes will announce the
signed a bill to reduce ocean waste and the use of plastic launch of a new Packaging Scheme Forum (PSF). The
straws in the state.The new statewide law goes into effect scheme comes as the industry prepares for long-awaited
January 1, 2019. The measure, Assembly Bill 1884, limits reforms to its existing producer obligations. Established
restaurants to giving out single-use straws only upon by 45 registered UK packaging compliance schemes, The
request of customers. It applies to full-service dining PSF says it will seek to foster open and collaborative
establishments but exempts fast-food restaurants. With dialogue between industry bodies and government.
the move, California now becomes the first state in the The primary objectives of the PSF will be to help
nation to restrict the use of plastic straws in restaurants. improve packaging regulation and enforcement in the
Several cities in California, including Malibu and San UK by providing valuable insight, guidance and feedback
Francisco, have gone a step further by passing outright on the existing Producer Responsibility Obligations
bans against the use of plastic straws as well as other (Packaging Waste) Regulations. PSF members represent
single-use items, including plastic utensils.
97 per cent of producers registered with compliance
schemes within the UK, including producers from the
automotive, chemical manufacturing, engineering,
food and drink manufacturing sectors. The group is
collectively responsible for ensuring over 7 million
tonnes of packaging waste is recycled each year and as
compliance schemes, members of the PSF will advise
their customers on the UK’s recovery and recycling
obligations. Members include, Veolia, Recycle-Pak
(SEPA) and Wastepack EA It has been encouraging to
witness the recent surge in interest in the UK’s existing
packaging regulations and we welcome all efforts being
made by Government to review the existing system,”
said Robbie Staniforth, Chair of the PSF and Policy
An attempt to pass a statewide plastic straw ban in Manager at compliance scheme Ecosurety.
Hawaii stalled in a legislative committee this month.
Environmentalists have been fighting to curb plastic waste
found in oceans, lakes, rivers and even drinking water. The
effort includes campaigns against single-use grocery bags
and bottle caps.Restaurants violating the new California
law could be subject to a fine of $25 per day and as much
as $300 annually.
The measure was approved late last month by the
Democratic-backed state legislature despite opposition
from some Republican lawmakers who called it a “The members of this newly formed PSF have
government overreach."It is a very small step to make a considerable expertise from operating with the
customer who wants a plastic straw ask for it," Brown said existing Packaging Waste Regulations. We look forward
in his signing message for AB 1884. "And it might make to working collaboratively with Government so the
them pause and think again about an alternative. But one best results for the UK’s industry, producers and
thing is clear, we must find ways to reduce and eventually our environment are secured.” Currently chaired by
eliminate single-use plastic products." The new law is Robbie Staniforth, its first official meeting was held on
scheduled to go into effect January 2019. Thursday 13th September 2018 in Birmingham.

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