Plastic consumption in New Jersey has tripled despite the state's 2022 plastic ban aimed at addressing the “plastic pollution problem,” according to a study by a business research firm.
The study found that a state law banning single-use plastic bags led to a 60% reduction in total bag volume, according to an analysis from the University of California. Fredonia report, Business Research Department of MarketResearch.com.
However, as consumers began to look for alternatives and purchase reusable plastic bags, the state saw plastic consumption triple, largely due to the materials used in the alternative bags, the report shows.
“Most of these replacement bags are made of non-woven polypropylene, which is not widely recycled in the United States and typically does not contain any post-consumer recycled materials,” the report states.
The ban, which took effect in May 2022, reportedly prevented major retailers, grocery stores and food service stores from distributing plastic bags. Fox29.
In signing the bill, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy said the measure would address New Jersey's “most problematic forms of litter” and “help mitigate climate change and strengthen our environment for generations to come.”
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The ban has also affected retailers, with some stories reporting an increase in sales due to the need for replacement bags.
“An in-depth cost analysis evaluating grocery retailers in New Jersey reveals that a typical store could earn $200,000 per store location from replacement bag sales,” the study notes. “For a major retailer, this amounts to an estimated $42 million in profits across all bag sales in New Jersey.”
Does a plastic ban help?
Banning single-use plastic is a way to reduce… Pollution and emissions Created by the production of matter, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
But looking for alternatives to carrying groceries and other products from the store leads to purchasing products that increase the pollution resulting from bag manufacturing.
Published study Environmental and resource economics He also points out that banning plastic bags could lead to an increase in trash bag purchases.
“We appreciate that [carryout grocery bag] The study suggests that the regulations lead to an average increase in plastics purchased by £127 per store per month.
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