Statement

Plastic Bag Makers Respond to "Plastic Bag Reduction Act of 2009"

ARLINGTON, VA (April 22, 2009) – Today, Congressman Jim Moran introduced the “Plastic Bag Reduction Act of 2009, a bill that would impose a five-cent tax on paper and plastic carryout bags from grocery and retail stores beginning January 1, 2010.  On January 1, 2015, the tax would increase to 25 cents per bag.  The Progressive Bag Affiliates of the American Chemistry Council, which opposes this measure, issued the following statement:

“Plastic bag makers share Congressman Moran’s desire to protect our oceans and waterways for future generations, but we agree with the vast majority of states and cities that have considered plastic bag policies and concluded that efforts to increase recycling make the most sense for the environment and the economy.”

“Plastic bags require 70 percent less energy, generate 50 percent less greenhouse gas emissions, create 80 percent less waste than paper alternatives – and they’re fully recyclable.  Earlier this week, America’s leading plastic bag makers made an unprecedented commitment to increase the recycling of plastic bags – thus, making a product with an already strong environmental profile even better.”

“Through the Full Circle Recycling Initiative, individual plastic bag makers have set a goal of 40 percent recycled content in all plastic bags by 2015, including at least 25 percent postconsumer material.  The move is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 463 million pounds, conserve enough energy (mainly natural gas) to heat 200,000 homes, and reduce waste by 300 million pounds per year.”

Plastic bags are valuable materials that should be given a second life.  They do not belong in our oceans – they belong in the recycling bin.  In 2007, more than 830 million pounds of plastic bags and wraps were recycled in the United States, a 27 percent increase from 2005.”

“Plastic bag makers agree with the majority of scientists and other experts who agree that the best way to keep plastics out of the marine environment is to work together to increase awareness, encourage recycling and prevent litter.”

Learn more about plastics or visit our "Too Valuable to Waste" recycling blog.

About the Progressive Bag Affiliates
The Progressive Bag Affiliates of the American Chemistry Council promote the responsible use and recycling of plastic bags.  The PBA recycling toolkit is being used by retailers around the nation as a reference for deploying effective recycling solutions in stores.  More information on recycling plastic bags, including tips for consumers and tools for retailers, is available on www.plasticbagrecycling.org/.