CPIA requests meeting with Denis Coderre - The industry is surprised and disappointed by the decision of Montreal that brings the city back to the 20th century

MONTREAL, Feb. 22, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) is surprised and disappointed by the City of Montreal to ban thin plastic bags. CPIA had enthusiastically welcomed the creation by the Montreal Metropolitan Community (MMC) of a working group on February 11.

"This is such a serious environmental issue," said Marc Robitaille, member of the CPIA and President of Omniplast on the South Shore of Montreal. "Retailers and residents alike will tell you that thin plastic bags are not a problem in Montreal so we do not understand why the Mayor is making a decision that is going to increase the environmental impact of bags by 300%. We will end up 300% more plastic waste and a 300% increase in greenhouse gases."

This is a defeat for the environment
The industry contends that a 50 micron bag is overkill and will actually cause harm to the environment, cost residents and retailers millions in additional costs, and hurt local jobs because the bags will have to be imported from Asia.

"The ban of plastic bags under 50 microns goes too far", according to Robitaille. "CPIA now wants to meet with representatives and officials as soon as possible to explain why. We do not understand the urgency to act when the Mayor announced just last week the creation of a Working Group to study the issue.  Montreal already has a sustainable 3 R's solution, This move kills that and brings Montreal back to the 20^th century."

This is a defeat for citizens
Citizens who reuse plastic bags for domestic use will now need to pay for a much more expensive plastic bag as a carry bag and to manage their household waste, an increase of 100% on their family budget.

This is a defeat for the economy
The industry contends that going forward, this bag decision means that 50 micron plastic shopping bags will have to be imported from Asia as local industry does not have the capability to manufacture and it is too costly to buy new equipment. This will mean job losses for Montreal.

"We need to meet with the Mayor to explain the technology and environmental problems that will result from a 50 micron bag", added Robitaille." A bag of slightly lesser thickness can do the job without harming the environment. Thin plastic bags are not a problem in Montreal, but the new proposed bag will be."

About the Canadian Plastics Industry Association
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association is the national voice of the plastics industry in Canada, representing the interests of processors, material suppliers, equipment manufacturers and brand owners across Canada since 1943.

SOURCE Association canadienne de l'industrie des plastiques (ACIP)

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