Brussels - On January 1st 2011 Italian legislation banning the use of „non-biodegradable‟ plastic bags, entered into force. This ban has entered into force based on a communication of the Ministry for Environment. The Minister, Ms. Stefania Prestigiacomo, confirmed entry into force of the ban on 01/01/2011 and, in addition, she allows stores and supermarkets to use up their current stocks of plastic bags provided that they give them out free of charge. The Minister also goes on to say that the Italian authorities will strictly control the ban and ensure it is respected.

“This law demonstrates that the Italian government is in breach of EU legislation and in particular that of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (1994/62/EC)” as there is not sufficient scientific reasoning behind it, argues Alexandre Dangis, Managing Director EuPC. "This initiative of the Italian National government is a short sighted view which does not take into account the existence of EU legislation and the fact that traditional plastic packaging is recyclable and reusable."

The EuPC has lodged a complaint against this ban with the European Commission and shall make every effort to challenge this legislation from a legal point of view, Dangis goes on to say.

EuPC strongly opposes this violation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and it is deeply concerned about such an attack on a highly advanced industry. The Commission investigation is currently ongoing.

Quelle: European Plastics Converters

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