AF&PA objects to proposed grocery bag fee

AF&PA objects to proposed grocery bag fee
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The Washington-based American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and its president and CEO Donna Harman have expressed concern about a Massachusetts Senate proposal to ban plastic grocery bags and place a 10-cent fee or tax on paper bags.

 “This bill, intended to reduce plastic pollution, wrongfully penalizes paper bags—a commodity that is highly recycled, recyclable, compostable and made from a renewable resource,” says Harman regarding Massachusetts Senate Bill 424, also known as the “Act Reducing Plastic Bag Pollution.” The bill seeks to initiate the 10-cent tax on retail bags beginning August 1, 2018.

“Unfortunately, this is a missed opportunity to differentiate paper bags as an environmentally responsible option,” adds Harman. “Paper bags are a sustainable packaging option for consumers who need carryout bags.”

According to an online article by the Worcester , Massachusetts-based Telegram, , both chambers of the legislature in Massachusetts are drafting bills that would prohibit retailers with more 3,000 square feet of space, and all chain stores with more than three locations, from providing single-use plastic bags.

In addition to targeting plastic bags, the bills mandate that shoppers who opt for paper bags will be charged 10 cents, as in inducement for shoppers and retailers to steer toward reusable shopping bags.

“This policy takes Massachusetts in the wrong direction and sets a poor example for the region,” states Harman, who adds, “AF&PA looks forward to continuing to work with the state of Massachusetts on this provision.” 

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Source: Recycling Today
AF&PA objects to proposed grocery bag fee
<![CDATA[The Washington-based American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and its president and CEO Donna Harman have expressed concern about a Massachusetts Senate proposal to ban plastic grocery bags and place a 10-cent fee or tax on paper bags.  “This bill, intended to reduce plastic pollution, wrongfully penalizes paper bags—a commodity that is highly recycled, recyclable, compostable and made from a renewable resource,” says Harman regarding Massachusetts Senate Bill 424, also known as the “Act Reducing Plastic Bag Pollution.” The bill seeks to initiate the 10-cent tax on retail bags beginning August 1, 2018. “Unfortunately, this is a missed opportunity to differentiate paper bags as an environmentally responsible option,” adds Harman. “Paper bags are a sustainable packaging option for consumers who need carryout bags.” According to an online article by the Worcester , Massachusetts-based Telegram, , both chambers of the legislature in Massachusetts are drafting bills that would prohibit retailers with more 3,000 square feet of space, and all chain stores with more than three locations, from providing single-use plastic bags. In addition to targeting plastic bags, the bills mandate that shoppers who opt for paper bags will be charged 10 cents, as in inducement for shoppers and retailers to steer toward…