Littering and Plastic Bags

Even though plastic bags represent a small fraction of littered waste, it has become an iconic issue which affects the image of the entire plastics industry.
Yet plastics bags littering is also a plague in some countries where it  can present risks for marine wildlife or can cause blockages in sewage systems. 
The fact is that littering, like any improper use of a product, is first and foremost a behavioural issue which requires education and raising consumer awareness.  Banning or taxing a product does not change people's behaviour and will just shift the littering problem to other applications. It does neither improve waste management practices.  

Supporting reusable bags

Reusable plastics bags have the best environmental performance compared to other material alternatives where we see that paper sacks alone generate 70% more air pollutants and 50 times more water pollutants than its plastic counterparts. Borealis is in favour of substituting single use carrier bags by reusable plastic bags through programmes which combine effective education to a sound environmental solution.

Contributing to solutions

Whether plastic or not, waste littering is an acute issue in some regions, particularly for the marine environment. Borealis support initiatives and develop solutions that reduce, prevent or can help remedy littering, such as new material solutions that reduce the amount of waste or better fit recycling needs. Borealis is also a founding member of the Waste Free Ocean Foundation – an industry-led initiative bringing innovative solutions and advancing education to clean-up Europe’s coast lines and waters.  For more information www.wastefreeoceans.eu

Share with us your feedback on your own perspective on littering and plastics bags.