Svensk Handel, the Swedish trade association, has announced that it welcomes the government's initiative to set up a committee to look at ways to reduce the negative environmental effects of plastic.
The Trade and Employer’s Organisation for Retail states, ‘Manufacturers, shopkeepers and customers need more knowledge to make wise environmental choices. [...] The retail trade is a key player in reducing the environmental impact of plastics, and Svensk Handel stands ready to assist the Minister of the Environment in its ongoing investigation.’
New Legislation
The Swedish government adopted a regulation on plastic carrier bags that came into action on 1 June. This means that stores are now obliged to inform customers about the negative environmental impact of plastic bags.
The government will instruct the authorities, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the Danish Maritime and Water Authority, to propose what specific measures are needed to raise awareness and reduce plastic waste.
Svensk Handel has also developed an informational chart that retailers can use in store to display the negative environmental effects of plastic bags.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.