First of all, many retailers are concerned about the types of bags the threats are aimed at. Typically, when government, media and the ARA refer to plastic bag reduction, it is usually in relation lightweight singlet HDPE (high density polypropylene) plastic bags, commonly used at supermarkets, corner stores and grocers. The reason for this focus is that these bags have a high consumption rate and are more likely to be littered (whether it be by consumers or by being displaced on the way to landfill). To date, reduction campaigns have been targeted at this type of bag, however there has been no formal exemption of LDPE (low density polypropylene) plastic bags such as the type that are commonly used by clothing retailers.
What's been done so far?
<acronym>The ARA-administered Code of Practice has seen a 45% reduction in plastic bag use by major supermarkets in Australia, and this code is available on our website. We also administer the We All Win Campaign (see www.noplasticbags.org.au) to assist non-supermarket retailers with plastic bag reduction. This includes sample posters, stickers and an information guide. In addition to this, many retailers have put forward substantial funding to drive voluntary reduction campaigns and to increase the recycling of HDPE plastic bags. Some have done this to avoid the proposed taxes, bans and levies, while others have been driven by environmental motivations. In some cases, reductions in packaging (such as bags) have been proposed to cut costs for retailers (look up ‘Walmart cuts packaging' in your search engine for more information). </acronym><acronym>Government regulation</acronym>
<acronym>Environmental groups are continuing to push for a ban on plastic bags by 2009, and environmental departments around Australia have already indicated that they are strongly considering a ban, tax or levy on plastic bags. Victoria is the only state to seriously propose a tax, but no legislation has been released at this stage. Much of the decision making is dependent on the extent of the reduction the retail industry can voluntarily make. This, however, does not rule out a complete ban.</acronym>
Is it worth it?
In its draft report on waste generation and resource efficiency, the Productivity Commission has also briefly addressed the issue of a ban on plastic bags and the viability of such an approach.
A report commissioned by the Department of Environment and Heritage has suggested that the costs of a ban on plastic bags will outweigh the environmental benefits that a ban aims to achieve (see the ARA's submissions at www.ara.com.au). The ARA is awaiting the receipt of the final report from the Productivity Commission that will address its recommendations on the proposed ban, tax or levy.
The future direction for retail?
The ARA will continue to fight against the impositions of bans, taxes or levies on the retail industry. We will be continuing to assist our members in voluntarily reducing plastic bags and finding suitable alternatives that meet the requirements of consumers. We are investigating new initiatives with a number of organisations such as Clean Up Australia and Charity Bag to drive voluntary reduction and behavioral change of customers. As always we will keep you informed of any progressions.
What are the alternatives?
For some retailers, bags are essential in ensuring customer convenience when carrying purchased goods from their store. If this is the case, retailers need to assess the different options that will suit their operations and this may include using paper, reusable calico or green bags, and high-density plastic bags. Some smaller retailers have passed on to their customers the packaging they have received from suppliers, efficiently reusing packaging that would otherwise have been thrown out.
Retailers need to ask the following questions when deciding to change to an alternative bag:
- Will customers reuse the plastic bags issued?
- Are other bags easily available?
- Can these bags be recycled?
- Are the bags appropriate for the type of products sold?
- What will be the environmental impact of its production and/or recycling?
- Are they affordable and storable?
The ARA website has a packaging assessment tool that can assist you in determining the best packaging to provide to your customers. The tool is available at http://www.ara.com.au/136.html.
Addressing packaging
Larger retailers need to be aware that they are covered by NEPMs (National Environmental Protection Measures). If you have an annual turnover of more than five million per annum you may need to start addressing the amount of packaging you are using through your operations. Visit the ARA website to get further information on the National Packaging Covenant and NEPMs.
ARA Plastic Bag Luncheon
The ARA held a luncheon for retailers in October to address the issues of plastic bags and packaging within the retail industry. Speakers at the luncheon included Eloise Bishop (Social Affairs Manager, Body Shop), Sarah Gibbons (Public Affairs Manager, McDonalds), Julia Oxley (National Marketing Manager, Mitre 10 Handy and True Value Hardware), Ed Cordner (CEO, National Packaging Covenant) and Simon Talbot (Corporate Relationship Manager, Australian Paper). Sponsored by Australian Paper, the luncheon provided an opportunity for retailers to voice concerns and liaise with other retailers over the plastic bag issue. The ARA will continue to support Australian Paper's campaign for their recycled reusable paper bag alternative and are hoping their product will be suitable to our retail members' needs.
Some retailers, such as McDonalds and the Body Shop, currently use paper bags in their operations but are finding that litter from their packaging is still an issue. The Body Shop tackles this by asking if consumers need a bag in the first place, to reduce the output from their stores and hence the waste created. McDonald's are involved in a Clean Streets program, whereby McDonalds crew members collect rubbish in their carparks and surrounding streets during quiet times. Mitre 10 operates as a co-op and offer "Blue Bags" (which are similar to "Green Bags"). Some of their stores, however, have voluntarily elected to go plastic bags free. The biggest challenge Mitre 10 has come across, like many other retailers, is educating their consumers.