GB: 5p charge for single-use plastic carrier bags from October

The introduction of the 5p charge for single-use plastic carrier bags comes into effect in England in October, following the success of similar schemes in Scotland and Wales. In Wales the charge led to a 79% decrease in plastic bags taken in the first three years and in Scotland the number of ‘bags for life’ used quadrupled last year.
New figures show that the number of plastic bags taken from supermarkets has increased for the fifth year running in England. This new charge will directly address the number of plastic carrier bags distributed by large supermarkets. Small businesses are invited to introduce a charge on a voluntary basis (News Story UK government, 24 July 2015).
Click here for the news story.
Click here for the Single Use Carrier Bags Charges (England) Order.
Click here for the carrier bags report (665 kB).
With NVC MERGE (Members-only Environmental Regulations Guide) you can stay up-to-date with the environmental requirements for your packaging. MERGE is exclusively for NVC members and there are no costs involved.

If you have any questions about this subject, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411. This item is also included in our monthly overview, the NVC Members-only Update.