Austria: Draft decree on reduction plastic bags sent to EC

Austria has sent a draft decree to the European Commission concerning reducing the consumption of plastic carrier bags. The standstill period ends on 19 October 2017. The aim is to reduce the number of plastic carrier bags placed on the market each year by 50%.
As of 1 January 2018, final distributors of plastic carrier bags shall levy a minimum charge of €0.05 for very lightweight bags; €0.30 for lightweight bags; and €0.50 for heavy-duty bags. Final distributors must offer their customers reusable shopping bags as an alternative. Exempt from this are very lightweight plastic carrier bags in which meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, herbs, bread, pastries or snacks are wrapped up.
Click here for more information about the draft decree.
With NVC MERGE (Members-only Environmental Regulations Guide) you can keep up-to-date with the environmental requirements for your packaging. MERGE is exclusively for NVC members and there are no costs involved.
Click here for more information about the NVC Project PUMA: the end of packaging as an environmental issue. You are welcome to join us for the next project meeting on 4 April 2018.

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