Plastics bosses rally against London's 10p bag charge proposal

Plastics industry chiefs want to meet London local authorities to highlight the folly of their proposal to charge a 10p levy on plastic bags.

British Plastics Federation director general Peter Davis, with support from the Packaging and Films Association, has written to representative body London Councils to point out that the government has "no intention" of introducing a levy on plastic bags in England.

He also highlighted that the Scottish Executive last year rejected a charge for plastic bags on environmental grounds.

As a past deputy leader of Lambeth Council and special advisor to Kenneth Baker when he was secretary of state for the environment, Davis said he "understands the pressures London Councils are under to landfill less".

However, he said he was "most surprised" to hear of London Councils' proposal, which is included in the 10th London Local Authorities Bill.

This will be considered over the summer before going to the House of Commons in November.

Davis also highlighted that plastic bags only account for 1% of landfill, and that 80% are re-used.

Click here for more on the 10th London Local Authorities Bill.
Source: packagingnews