An Environment Agency study commissioned by the previous Labour government has examined the impact of different types of supermarket carrier bags. It concluded that lightweight, single-use plastic bags have the lowest carbon footprint based on resource use and production, but that typical ‘bags for life’ need be used only four times to ensure they create fewer emissions. Heavier, woven plastic ‘bags for life’ need to be used 11 times to have a lower impact, while cotton bags must be used an astounding 131 times.
Transport, secondary packaging and end-of-life management had a minimal impact on the bags’ performance, and issues like litter associated with single-use bags were not addressed.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.