Plastic carrier bag regulation in shops: frequently asked questions

Last May 18th, the Government approved the Royal Decree on the reduction of plastic bags consumption after having left in the air the concrete date for the entry into force of this new regulation for half a year. From July 1st, plastic bags will have to be charged (except for some very specific exceptions that we will discuss later in this article) and other measures that will also be discussed in this post. The aim of this new regulation on plastic bags in shopscharging for plastic bags in shops is not something that is strange to us, but it is true that until this year it was a voluntary measure and each shop adopted one position or another. However,how does this new regulation on plastic bags affect shops now?How much must we charge for plastic bags in shops from 1 July? Let’s answer these and other frequently asked questions in this post.

Why the new regulation on plastic bags in shops

The reasons that have led European and Spanish legislation to limit the consumption of plastic bags are linked to the environment but also to the practical use of this product. Obtaining plastic bags requires petroleum derivatives, so its impact on the environment is twofold: on the one hand , it is related to the use of plastic bags in shops and, on the other hand, it has a negative impact on the environment, which is why it is important to reduce the consumption of plastic bags

• From 1 July bags must be charged for (except for very light and recycled heavy bags).
• From 2020, heavy plastic bags must contain at least 50% recycled plastic and fragmentable plastic bags are banned.
• From 2021, lightweight and very lightweight plastic bags will be banned, except for compostable plastic bags.

and the objectives of this new regulation are

1. The law sets a target of reducing plastic bag consumption to less than 90 lightweight plastic bags per person per year by 31 December 2019, which would be reduced to 40 bags per person per year by December 2025.
2. The second target is linked to thicker bags(over 50 microns), the consumption of which is expected to fall by 30% compared to their use in 2016.
3. Finally, the law requires a new marking of bags to provide recycling instructions and also to collect information on the effectiveness of the measure.

types of plastic carrier bags for shops

The new regulation on plastic carrier bags in shops also defines the different types of carrier bags used in shops, not excluding online shops

1. Lightweight plastic bags: These are bags with a thickness of less than 50 microns, commonly known as “T-shirt bags” or “single-use bags” due to their thinness.
2. Very light plastic bags: these bags have a thickness of less than 15 microns and are normally used for hygienic reasons to transport products sold in bulk (fruit, vegetables, etc.).

3. 

   Oxo-degradable plastic bags: these are made from plastics containing additives which, once discarded, transform into micro-fragments and end up fused with the environment.
4. Compostable plastic bags: also called compostable plastic bags biodegradable bagsthey must comply with the European standard EN 13432:2000, which sets the requirements for the production of compostable and biodegradable packaging.

the new rules also affect plastic bag manufacturers as, from 1 January 2018, the law bans the marketing of lightweight oxo-degradable plastic bags (less than 50 microns thick). The vast majority of bags consumed in the EU are of this type, but they are the least reused

which bags should be charged for in shops?

All plastic bags should be charged for, but two special cases need attention

• Very light plastic bags of less than 15 microns may be offered free of charge, but must be used for hygienic reasons and/or for bulk foodstuffs.
• Compostable and biodegradable bags will have a lower minimum price than standard plastic bags.

¿Cuánto hay que cobrar por cada tipo de bolsa de plástico?

Precios orientativos mínimos de las bolsas de plástico no biodegradables:

– Bolsas de plástico muy ligeras con menos de 15 micras de espesor con usos distintos a los especificados anteriormente: 10 céntimos/bolsa.

– Bolsas de espesor entre las 15 y las 29 micras: 10 céntimos de euro/bolsa.

– Bolsas de espesor igual o superior a las 30 micras: 15 céntimos de euro/bolsa.

Precios orientativos mínimos de las bolsas de plástico compostables:

– Bolsas de espesor inferior a 15 micras con a usos diferentes: 5 céntimos de euro/bolsa.

– Bolsas de espesor de entre las 15 y las 29 micras: 5 céntimos de euro/bolsa.

– Bolsas de espesor igual o superior a las 30 micras: 10 céntimos de euro/bolsa.

Precios orientativos mínimos de las bolsas de plástico oxodegradables:

– Bolsas de espesor igual o superior a las 50 micras: 30 céntimos de euro/bolsa.

Nuevo marcaje de las bolsas de plástico utilizadas en comercios

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