International Scenario Of Plastic Bags And Films.docx

International scenario of plastic bags and films Plastic shopping bags and film are used extensively across the retail sector as they are light, easy to use, strong, moisture resistant and relatively cheap. However, a number of problems arise from the use of plastic shopping bags and films. There is a significant body of scientific evidence on the environmental impacts of plastics, including plastic bags, on the marine environment. Plastic shopping bags are highly visible and mobile in the environment, creating entanglement and ingestion impacts to marine life. A number of countries and regions have implemented measures to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags, including bans or levies on plastic shopping bags. These actions are often combined with educational and other complementary programs. In order to reduce plastic bag use, the Australian Retailers Association introduced a voluntary Plastic Shopping Bag Code of Practice, which operated between 2003 and 2005. The Code included education and commitments to make ‘green bags’ widely available in stores. The Code resulted in a reported 45% reduction in plastic shopping bags issued by supermarkets. Since the end of the Plastic Shopping Bag Code of Practice, it appears that the trend of reduction in plastic shopping bag usage has reversed. There remains significant community concern regarding the impact of plastic shopping bags, and a number of Commonwealth Government reviews about plastic shopping bags have been completed. South Australia, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania have all legislated bans of plastic shopping bags (excluding ‘biodegradable’ bags) in the past six years Recent scientific research demonstrates that biodegradable plastic shopping bags have similar impacts on the environment and wildlife as other plastic shopping bags Any replacement for plastic shopping bags, including paper, cotton and green bags, each have their own environmental impacts. This includes material use, water and energy consumption, marine impacts, greenhouse gas emissions and litter. There are numerous options, both traditional and innovative, to address the problems and impacts of plastic shopping bags. Additional research, assessment and scoping is required before a final determination can be made on the feasibility of any option.