Retail News CRM

Tag: Plastic

  • Ban on plastic bags going well in Selangor

    Ban on plastic bags going well in Selangor

    Most folks in Selangor are responding well to the ban on plastic bags despite some feeling that they still need more time to get used to it.

    Some however felt more awareness must be created as to why it is necessary to ban plastic bags.

    Copywriter Trinity Alexandra, said she fully supports the ban as it “forces” her to do her part for mother nature but admitted it has been a challenge.

    “Even though I have recycle bags or containers in my car, I sometimes forget to take it out so I am forced to pay the 20 sen charge for the plastic bags,

    “So the challenge is mainly to remind myself to lug the bags and containers around,” said Trinity.

    Writer P. Deepika, 28, said more should be done on creating awareness about the reason for the ban.

    “People need to know why they are doing something, otherwise you are not addressing the issue. We won’t achieve much at the end of the day.

    “Having said that, I do think the ban is a necessary move,” she said.

    Praveen Reginald, 33, said she has practised packing food in her own containers and bringing along cloth bags even before the ban was enforced.

    She, however, felt merchants who are providing plastic bags with a price should be made to give out paper bags instead.

    “I think it’s a good effort to ban plastic as it is very timely but I think the Government should pressure merchants to provide paper bags,” she said.

    Selangor state exco member Elizabeth Wong said ample time had been given to retailers, traders and even consu­mers to get used to the No Plastic Bag Day campaign.

    “Our enforcement units from the local councils will begin their rounds very soon,” she said.

    “The maximum compound of RM1,000 will be imposed as it is the standard amount for any breach of licensing by-laws,” said Wong.

    The campaign, she added, was “encouraging and positive so far”.

    Malaysia Retail Chain Association president Datuk Garry Chua said its members were getting used to the ban, some of whom were now using environmentally-friendly bags.

    However, he hoped that there would be a grace period for retailers and consumers to get adjusted to the ruling.

    Fomca deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said the ban should be extended to all states via its local authorities.

    “This is an important environmental issue and I don’t see why it should not be implemented nationwide,” said Mohd Yusof.

    Ecotourism and Conservation Society Malaysia co-founder Andrew Sebastian said he hoped that any savings that the retailers and traders make from not giv­­­­­­­ing out plastic bags could be channelled back to the environment.

    Malaysian Nature Society president Henry Goh said it was in full support of using less plastic, adding that this should eventually lead to a total ban.

  • Indonesian Cities Now Charging Shoppers for Plastic Bags

    Indonesian Cities Now Charging Shoppers for Plastic Bags

    The policy is imposed on all retailers, including supermarkets, stores and vendors at traditional markets.

    Bandung is adopting a more conservative approach, charging customers the minimum Rp 200 per bag, mayor Ridwan Kamil said at the initiative’s launching ceremony in Jakarta. The world renowned architect said that by charging customers for plastic bags, the city will not only reduce waste but also generate revenue.

    “Buying plastic bags can generate Rp 1 billion a day for the city government. In a year we should have Rp 360 billion from plastic bag sales. That can be earmarked to buy dump trucks, build incinerators or a recycling plant,” he said.

    Bogor, in the outskirts of Jakarta, also demanded retailers and stores charge Rp 200 per plastic bag.

    “The government [central and local] have agreed that the lowest price for each plastic bag is Rp 200. What matters most is to reduce the use of plastic bags,” Bogor mayor Bima Arya said.

    “If we do not see a significant impact from the policy, then there might be a possibility to raise the price.”

    Roy Madey, chairman of the Indonesia Retailers Association (Aprindo), said that the association would also help the government educate the public about the negative environmental impact of plastic bags through various social media platforms and posters displayed at retail stores.

    During the public awareness campaign, retailers will subsidize each bag in order to maintain a price of Rp 200.

    “If the policy calls for the fee to go above Rp 200 per plastic bag, we are concerned that it will decrease the number of customers shopping at modern retail stores. The government has to protect every industrial sector to allow it to grow, including the retail industry,” Roy said.

    Indonesia is ranked the world’s second largest plastic waste producer, using 187.2 million tons each year according to a study published last year in the journal Science. China stands at number one, producing 262.9 million tons of plastic waste, most of which ends up in the ocean.