(Nov. 21, 2005) — We've been giving the plastics industry in France special attention the past few weeks, the result of a shocking proposal last month that could have banned all nonbiodegradable plastic bags, or perhaps even many other types of packaging, in that country.
Now it looks like the plastics industry in France has won a more reasonable compromise. The proposal currently under consideration would outlaw only nonbiodegradable, single-use, light carrier bags distributed at supermarket checkouts, beginning in 2010.
While that's definitely better than the earlier proposal, we're still troubled by any legislature micromanaging material selection for any application — at least without a very important health or safety consideration. Trying to support the local agriculture industry, which was the aim of the French legislators, is not sufficient cause.