LOCAL PLASTIC BAG MANUFACTURERS are eyeing a move by environmentalists with concern as the start date for a deterrent fee on plastic bags draws near.
They say the 20-cent charge will erode their already small market share and lay-offs could be in the offing.
However, the Future Centre Trust’s advocacy director, Kammie Holder, said the manufacturers should consider the island’s environmental well-being and not just their bottom line. He hinted that the banning of plastic straws could be next on the Trust’s agenda.
Come May 1, an initiative spearheaded by BICO Ltd, and involving supermarkets, department and hardware stores, will see customers who do not walk with their own reusable bags, being charged for every one that is used to bag items. The fee is already in place at meat wholesaler H. Jason Jones which, since last March, has been charging customers 25 cents per bag. (HLE)
Please read the full story in today’s Daily Nation, or in the eNATION edition.
