New Plastic Bag Specifications Good News for Environment

• Author: More Matshediso

The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) says manufacturers and retailers who do not comply with the revised compulsory specifications for plastic carrier bags and flat bags, will be charged.

The General Manager for Chemicals, Mechanicals and Materials at the NRCS, Thomas Madzivhe, said those found in possession of plastic bags that do not meet the requirements of the revised compulsory specifications will have to hand them over to the NRCS to be destroyed.

Madzivhe said plastic bags that are thinner than 24 microns (micrometres) do not meet the requirements and are impossible to recycle.

He said these plastic bags contribute to littering, which has a negative impact on the image of the country and affects tourism and the environment sector badly.

“Everyone must just comply. This is compulsory. There will be no more negotiations. Those who do not comply will be charged,” he said on Wednesday.

The revised compulsory specifications came into effect on 23 October. They were approved by Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies in September 2013.

The revised compulsory specifications cover the thickness and printing of the bags, but exclude bread bags, refuse bags, bin liners, household plastic bags and primary packaging.

Madzivhe said where there is a need, non-complying manufacturers, distributors and retailers will be taken to court and the court will decide whether they pay a fine or if they should be imprisoned.

Since Monday, in Gauteng alone, over one billion plastic carrier bags that did not meet the requirements have been confiscated from three retailors and they will be destroyed.

The NCRS launched a national...