“The solution to plastic waste is better plastics, not banning shapes”, says IEA expert
10 January 2023
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In the Media
Mark Littlewood writes in The Times
9 January 2023
In the Media
Lifestyle Economics
15 November 2024
Commenting on the introduction of a new single-use plastic ban in England, IEA Chief Operating Officer Andy Mayer, said:
“The solution to plastic waste is better plastics, not banning shapes. Single use Plastics are inherently useful, they’re lighter and stronger than most alternatives, reduce food waste, ensure medical hygiene, and improve productivity for people on the go.
“Pollution from plastic waste is a real issue, but can be resolved through the development of bio-based and biodegradable plastics, freely and quickly compostable in the environment or refuse facilities.
“Bans limit such change, discouraging investment and offshoring innovation. They can also be ineffective. The Government is not seeking to ban materials, but particular uses in particular settings.
“A flat sheet of plastic will be legal, but a plate shape in a restaurant will be banned. A plastic spike will be legal but not a fork. Both however will be legal in takeaways. It is still unclear whether you risk jail for improper provision of a plastic spoon. There is no news yet on the fate of balloon sticks, a subject of last year’s consultation, we can only assume the threat to the environment from clowns, proper ones at least, is limited.
“Social pressure for companies to adopt less harmful materials is already strong. If more is required a wiser path would be to let alternatives emerge through choice and taxes on materials, rather than plastic prohibition.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Contact: media@iea.org.uk / 07763 365520
IEA spokespeople are available for interview and further comment.
The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems. The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.
“The solution to plastic waste is better plastics, not banning shapes. Single use Plastics are inherently useful, they’re lighter and stronger than most alternatives, reduce food waste, ensure medical hygiene, and improve productivity for people on the go.
“Pollution from plastic waste is a real issue, but can be resolved through the development of bio-based and biodegradable plastics, freely and quickly compostable in the environment or refuse facilities.
“Bans limit such change, discouraging investment and offshoring innovation. They can also be ineffective. The Government is not seeking to ban materials, but particular uses in particular settings.
“A flat sheet of plastic will be legal, but a plate shape in a restaurant will be banned. A plastic spike will be legal but not a fork. Both however will be legal in takeaways. It is still unclear whether you risk jail for improper provision of a plastic spoon. There is no news yet on the fate of balloon sticks, a subject of last year’s consultation, we can only assume the threat to the environment from clowns, proper ones at least, is limited.
“Social pressure for companies to adopt less harmful materials is already strong. If more is required a wiser path would be to let alternatives emerge through choice and taxes on materials, rather than plastic prohibition.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Contact: media@iea.org.uk / 07763 365520
IEA spokespeople are available for interview and further comment.
The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems. The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.
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