Edge has been contracted by a major international packaging manufacturer to help their sales force to understand how policies towards carrier bags are developing globally. The work looks at the rapid growth of bag bans, levies and taxes and tries to understand the motivations for the focus on carrier bags.

 

There are now more than 40 bans, levies or taxes worldwide; from Europe to Asia, the US to Australasia, and even in Africa. Motivation runs from the very real necessity to reduce flood risk through blocked waterways in low-lying countries such as Bangladesh, through to the desire to reduce the visually displeasing sight of litter in our environment. Most activities focus on plastic bags, and the impact that plastic waste generally is reported to have on the marine environment has been a motivation.

 

Away from a “throw away” society

Whilst many regulators and policy makers recognize that in terms of landfill carrier bags contribute only a small proportion of the total problem, this is also often quoted as a motivation. However, delving deeper down reveals that in many cases there is a desire to use the highly visible issue of carrier bags as a tool for changing public attitudes and behaviours – moving away from a “throw away” society.

This is certainly the case for the proposed London single use carrier bag ban, currently under consultation. This policy instrument goes further than most, potentially including single use paper bags as well plastic.

 

Consumer acceptance and life cycle issues

As well as identifying and interpreting the various policies across the globe, the work will also look at the consumer acceptance and life cycle issues. The findings of the review will be presented at the company’s annual sales conference and will be used to stimulate thinking on the business’ future sales policies and strategies.

 

If your business need advice on the emerging debate on carrier bags and the environment, please contact Michael Sturges on +44 (0)1483 688181