Clarity sought on Welsh plans for single-use plastics ban

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called for clarification on timescales for the Welsh proposals to reduce single-use plastics.

The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill, which has been published as part of the environment and climate change planning and strategy would prohibit the sale of nine single-use plastic products, including: cups, cutlery, drink-stirrers, lids for cups or takeaway food containers, straws, plates, balloon sticks, carrier bags and cotton buds.

Responded to a consultation launched by the Welsh Parliament’s Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee, the ACS outlined support for the Bill as a measure to reduce plastic waste and has recommended a minimum implementation period of 12 months from when the government guidance on the regulations is published to implementation of the ban to allow retailers sufficient time to sell through existing stock and source alternative products.

“Convenience retailers recognise the need to reduce single-use plastics in our communities and have been making efforts to do so through the successful implementation of a charge for single-use plastic bags for a number of years now,” James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said.

“The Welsh government needs to provide clarification on the timescales for the introduction of a ban to ensure a realistic sell-through period for retailers on the prohibited products. We will continue to engage with the Welsh government on the delivery of their plans to ensure that it is workable for retailers.”

A Scottish legislation banning many of the most problematic single-use plastics has come in force in June.