Environmental fee on plastic carrier bags in shops / Greek plastics industry association foresees problems

摘要

In a measure to reduce plastic carrier bag consumption, Greece implemented a mandatory "environmental fee" of EUR 0.03 per bag in stores and supermarkets at the beginning of 2018. The fee is set to rise to EUR 0.09 in January 2019. The Association of Hellenic Plastics Industries (AHPI, Athens / Greece; www.ahpi.gr) issued a statement, on behalf of the 12,000 people employed in the 200 small- and medium-sized firms in the plastics industry, addressing what it says is misinformation. For example, the fee for plastic bags under 50 microns thickness is exempted for kiosks and outdoor markets. Importantly, AHPI says many questions arise from the measure, including how many people in Greece, perhaps thousands, could lose their jobs.