Packaging and Films Association to fight London plastic bags tax

The Packaging and Films Association (PAFA) will fight the case for plastic bags with "science rather than spin", after London Councils launched a consultation on possible taxes or even an outright ban on free shopping bags.

Spokesman Peter Woodall said PAFA would work hard to convince people that removing plastic carrier bags was not necessarily the most environmentally friendly option.

"We estimate that a switch to paper bags would be like putting an extra 32,000 lorries on London's roads," he said.

Moreover, a ban would have to apply to all outlets, not just the major multiples, so smaller businesses would be hit hard.

"Charity shops rely on reused plastic bags for people to bring their items to the store, and take purchases away," added Woodall.

London Councils, the body that represents the capital's local authorities, is asking Londoners to consider a full range of options for carrier bags – from doing nothing to an outright ban on all bags, or just plastic ones.

The consultation will run until Friday 26 October. To take part, visit www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/thebigquestion.

• Flexible packaging manufacturer Skymark, based in Herefordshire, is to give away its 'Million Bags 4 Life' reusable shopping bags to retailers free of charge. Companies can advertise on the bags to "promote the reduction of plastic waste", and revenue will be invested in projects such as recycling capabilities. For more information, visit http://www.millionbags4life.com/.
Source: packagingnews