Plastics News - Public Policy

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008

Public Policy

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Plastic bills resurface in Calif. legislature
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (Aug. 26, 3:45 p.m. EDT) — With less than a week left in its legislative session, the once-defeated plastic bag tax in California has resurfaced as a Bag Pollution Cleanup Fee. In addition, several amendments have boosted the chances for a new expanded bottle bill, and there could be votes on two other previously defeated measures -- bans on perfluorinated compounds in food packaging and on bisphenol A in baby bottles.

Primo, groups form alliance to recycle PLA
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Aug. 22, 4:10 p.m. EDT) -- Primo Water Corp. is leading a new consortium to develop bioplastics recycling. Primo, which bottles water in polylactic acid containers, is joined by 19 organizations in the Bioplastics Recycling Consortium.

SPI hires Damico as executive vice president
WASHINGTON (Aug. 19, 2:44 p.m. EDT) — After a four-month search, the Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. hired Al Damico Aug. 19 to run the association’s day-to-day operations as the No. 2 person, behind President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Carteaux.

Calif. Assembly defeats BPA, PFOA bans
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (Aug. 19, 11:35 a.m. EDT) -- The California Assembly on Aug. 18 rejected a proposal that would have banned the use of bisphenol A in baby bottles. It also defeated a proposed ban on the use of perfluorinated compounds in food packaging. Sponsors of both bills said they would seek a second vote.

Some plastics bills still alive in Calif.
WASHINGTON (Aug. 15, 10:50 a.m. EDT) -- Proposals to ban PVC packaging and polystyrene takeout containers failed to advance in the California legislature, but the outcome of three other bills that would impact the plastics industry are still awaiting floor votes with the legislature set to adjourn Aug. 22.

Some fear federal phthalates ban just the beginning
WASHINGTON (Aug. 1, 3:35 p.m.EDT) -- A coming federal ban on toys and child-care products containing phthalates could signal the beginning of a shift in how chemicals are regulated in the United States.

Packaging taxes, bans looming in California
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (Aug. 1, 3:25 p.m. EDT) -- A series of recommendations from the California Ocean Protection Council could lead to more bans and taxes on plastics packaging.

Congress approves phthalate ban
WASHINGTON (July 29, 10:45 a.m. EDT) — A nationwide ban on phthalates in toys and other child care products has been approved by a conference committee of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate as part of a reform and funding bill for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The ban is scheduled to go into effect in six months, pending final approval by the House and Senate and approval by President George Bush.

Seattle passes bag tax, PS ban
WASHINGTON (July 29, 9:40 a.m. EDT) — Seattle has become the first major U.S. city to place a tax on plastic bags, and has also enacted a ban on polystyrene containers for businesses that serve food. Both the 20 cent fee on plastics, paper and other disposable takeout bags and a ban on PS containers go into effect Jan. 1 and were approved July 28 by Seattle City Council.

Plastic bag bans, taxes gain ground
ARLINGTON, VA. (July 25, 3:45 p.m.) -- Plastic bag tax initiatives in Los Angeles, Seattle and in the California Legislature are threatening to trigger fees that effectively would ban plastic carryout bags at large retailers.

NYC bag recycling law takes effect Wednesday
NEW YORK (July 22, 10:20 p.m. EDT) -- Stores across New York City worked to comply with a new law requiring chains and large stores to offer plastic bag recycling by the July 23 deadline.

Nampac to add equipment at Ind. bucket plant
VALPARAISO, IND. (July 21, 11:30 a.m. EDT) — Nampac Inc.´s plastic buckets and lids plant in Valparaiso will expand, thanks in part to a local tax abatement.

Beijing picks Biograde bags for Olympics
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA (July 17, 6:10 p.m. EDT) -- Australian bioplastic manufacturer Biograde Ltd. has won a US$1.2 million contract to provide biodegradable packaging to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

ACC’s Russell: Challenges keep growing

Russell

PALM DESERT, CALIF. (July 17, 5:35 p.m. EDT) -- Since Steve Russell took over as managing director of the plastics division of the American Chemistry Council, the group has dealt with more than 400 pieces of anti-plastics legislation. He said the group has made progress in being more aggressive and promoting the benefits of plastics. Still, he knows there is a lot more to do.

India probes alleged press dumping by China
NEW DEHLI, INDIA (July 11, 5:55 p.m. EDT) -- India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry is investigating whether Chinese companies are dumping injection molding machines into India — in a sign of friction between two of the world’s fastest-growing countries in plastics.