The use of plastic bags The use of single-use plastic bags has been the subject of debate for many years due to its contribution to environmental pollution and the problems caused by plastic waste, especially in marine ecosystems. Increasingly, governments and international organizations have implemented regulations to control, reduce and, in many cases, prohibit the use of single-use plastic bags. In this article, we will analyze in detail the regulations, alternatives and reasons behind these changes, based on European and Spanish regulations.
The context of the plastic bag ban
Initially, the entry into force of the ban on single-use plastic bags It was scheduled for January 1, 2016, but was postponed several times until the final date of July 1, 2016 was reached. This decision was taken within the framework of the law on energy transition enacted in August 2015. The ban was reviewed by both the European Commission and the Council of State in order to clearly determine which bags would be subject to this regulation.
Finally, the regulation specifies that they will be the single-use plastic bags Bags with a thickness of less than 50 micrometers will be banned. These bags, regardless of whether they are paid or free, must disappear from stores from July 2016. By January 1, 2017, plastic bags will also be banned. lightweight plastic bags used in packaging fruits, vegetables and other fresh products.
As a result, consumers will have to use reusable bags (usually more resistant, with a thickness greater than 50 micrometers) or opt for paper bags as a more ecological alternative.
Impact on the use of plastic bags
The impact of these measures was expected to be significant. According to data provided by the Federation of Trade and Distribution Companies, the number of plastic bags distributed by shops in France rose from 10,5 billion in 2003 to 700 million in the following years. This was partly due to a Voluntary agreement of large retailers to stop distributing free bags in 2003.
These measures have also had a positive impact on social awareness. Many shops started charging between 3 and 5 cents per plastic bag, encouraging customers to bring their own reusable bags, which helped reduce the demand for single-use bags.
The environmental problem of plastic bags
The devastating impact of plastic bags on the ecosystem is alarming. It is estimated that in 2010, approximately 8.000 billion plastic bags were thrown into the environment in Europe. Although the average use is less than 20 minutes, a plastic bag can take between 100 and 400 years to completely decompose.
This degree of prolonged decomposition has a particularly negative effect on marine wildlife. Turtles, birds and other animals can ingest the bags, mistaking them for food, which can lead to death by suffocation or digestive problems. According to a 2015 study, around 700 marine species They have been found with plastic waste, and in at least 10% of documented cases, the animals have ingested this waste.
Comparison: situation in Spain and other European regulations
The case of Spain in the ban on plastic bags does not differ much from the general European picture. In March 2017, the Government of Spain started working on the Royal Decree 293 / 2018This decree, which aims to reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic bags, proposes specific measures such as the obligation to charge for bags and the prohibition of oxodegradable bags, which worsen the problem of microplastics.
One of the key aspects of the Spanish legislation is that minimum prices have been set for each type of bag. For example, compostable plastic bags (with a thickness of up to 29 microns) must have a minimum price of 5 cents, while non-compostable bags of 30 microns or more have a cost of 15 cents per unit.
What are compostable bags?
A compostable bag is one made from biodegradable materials, such as potato starch or corn starch. These bags degrade under optimal temperature and humidity conditions, transforming into compost (carbon dioxide, water and biomass) that can be used as fertilizer.
These bags can completely decompose within 10 to 18 months, which is a significant improvement compared to traditional plastic bags, which can take centuries to completely disappear.
Recycling compostable bags
The recycling process of compostable bags is through the compostingThese bags must be disposed of in specific organic or brown waste containers. When this process is carried out correctly, the organic material decomposes and can be used to fertilise the soil or generate biogas.
Alternatives to compostable bags
In addition to compostable bags, there are other alternatives to reduce the use of plastics in stores, such as:
- Recycled paper bags: They are reusable and biodegradable.
- Raffia bags: Very resistant and customizable.
- Cotton bags: Ecological, reusable and with a low environmental impact.
- Tote Bags: Durable and available in different sizes and designs.
Regulations on lightweight plastic bags in Spain
Royal Decree 293/2018 also establishes that bags with a thickness greater than 50 microns can only be delivered if they contain at least 50% recycled plastic. In addition, plastic bags must be appropriately marked to indicate their recycled content.
Additional prohibitions
Since January 1, 2020, fragmentable bags (also known as oxodegradable) have also been banned, as they fragment into microplastics that are even more harmful to the environment.
The transition away from plastic bags is an essential step towards protecting our ecosystems, especially marine ecosystems. Regulations on plastic bags not only seek to prevent the dispersion of waste, but also to encourage the use of sustainable and recyclable materials. Spanish regulations, in line with European regulations, guide us towards a more conscious and environmentally friendly consumption model. It is essential that both businesses and consumers adapt to these new regulations, to ensure that today's actions have a positive impact on future generations.
We hope they will not delay it again ...