CBC condemns British PM threat to retailers to charge for plastic bags

30-Sep-11

The Carrier Bag Consortium (CBC) has condemned a statement by British Prime Minister that threatens to introduce tough new laws forcing retailers to cut the number of plastic bags they issue if they fail to do so voluntarily. As per business green, in the wake of rising use of plastic bags in the UK, the recent increases in the number of bags distributed by supermarkets has been declared "unacceptable". The PM is concerned about the use of single-use carrier bags and the effect that they have on the environment. A CBC spokesman said: "In the face of massive economic pressures it is a great shame that the Prime Minister is suggesting taxing the ordinary shopper, particularly when this flies in the face of the evidence from his own Environment Agency, which proves that the lightweight plastic bag is the best environmental choice if re-used – as it is by 76% of households – or recycled.” It said that despite the small recent increase in bag usage the UK voluntary agreement has still reduced bag consumption by more than 40%.