Paris bans non-compostable plastic bags from food markets

Article taken from packagingnews.co.uk 22-12-16

Primary packaging traders can now only use carrier bags made of compostable raw materials of vegetable origin – ranging from bioplastics to paper or cotton – that are practical, durable and environmentally friendly.

Reinforcing the provisions on packaging in the “Energy transaction” law, the City of Paris is thus becoming a leader in the battle against climate change and in favour of the circular economy.

This measure, which will complement the one already in place on the collection of unsold food products and vegetable scraps, will ensure that local markets in particular are on track to represent the cutting edge of these new virtuous practices of environmental sustainability.

Novamont and its partner the Barbier Group – a leading French plastics processer – will be giving them over three million carrier bags made of Mater-Bi, Novamont’s bioplastic that is biodegradable and compostable in accordance with standards NF EN 13432 and NF T 51-800.

The markets will also host a series of initiatives to raise awareness on the use of disposable bags and meetings to provide market operators with information and training on practices relating to the new renewable and compostable bags.