CPIA Focuses on Massive Environmental Benefits of Single-use Plastics

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) issued new statement on single-use plastics. The Association believes that plastic packaging, shopping bags and some single-use plastics are better environmental choices, if managed properly. Further, it notes that bans are not the answer.

According to CPIA, many scientific and economic studies have proved that ban on single-use plastics is not an effective solution in reducing plastic waste. Moreover, bans eliminate choice and are found to have unforeseen negative environmental consequences. The alternatives to plastics seem to cause nearly four times environmental impact.

The plastic shopping bags could be used for multiple purposes. Apart from being used to transport groceries, it is also used to manage household and pet waste as well as storing items. Plastics help prevent food waste, as it plays a key role in keeping food fresher for a longer period of time.

The studies by various governments across the world have proved that plastic shopping bags are the best environmental choice when compared to other alternatives including paper bags. The environmental cost of using plastics in consumer goods is nearly four times less than the costs of other materials.

CPIA recommends that plastic industry needs to do more in order to keep plastics in the economy and plastic waste out of the environment. Plastic producers need to work in tandem with businesses, governments, environmental groups, residents and other stakeholders to boost recycling and recovery efforts.