Minister asks to delay single-use plastic bag ban by half a year

Thursday 08 July 2021

A ban on the use of single-use plastic bags might not come in until this time next year if politicians agree to delay its introduction by six months.

Having talked to retailers and wholesalers, the Infrastructure Minister is asking the States Assembly for another six-month lead-in, on top of the six-month introduction period already included in the law.

In June 2020, the States Assembly overwhelmingly backed Deputy Inna Gardiner’s proposition to ban the supply and distribution of specific types of single-use plastic and paper bags by all retailers, as well as the setting of a minimum price for bag for life.

Deputy Gardiner lodged her proposal after attending a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association workshop, where she had discovered that lots of other small jurisdictions had already banned these bags.

Last month, the details of the ban, including what is defined as a single-use plastic bag and what isn’t, were formally proposed by Deputy Lewis. He is now seeking to amend that piece of legislation, which is due to be debated a week on Tuesday. 

The ban was scheduled to be introduced early next year, but that could be pushed back another half a year.

Deputy Lewis said: “While a significant number of Island businesses anticipate being able to comply with the new law by the end of January 2022, it is now apparent that some are finding it particularly challenging to work with manufacturing partners to design, prototype, manufacture, ship and ultimately stock replacement bags in time. 

“Several businesses have had the added complexity of being unable to commence negotiations with their major brand suppliers on packaging requirements in advance of the draft law being published.

“A number of Island businesses are facing the potential need to destroy large quantities of existing bags that would not comply with the new law. 

“One business reports anticipating being left with in the region of 21,000 paper bags in January 2022. Another anticipates needing to destroy £3,000 of stock. More businesses are understood to be in a broadly similar position.

“Extending the lead-in period to 12 months is expected to give all businesses sufficient time to adapt to the requirements of the new law. Those that are able to introduce more sustainable packaging by an earlier date are strongly encouraged to do so.”