As Maryland considers a plastic bag ban, a nationwide bag shortage could pose problems
As Maryland considers banning single use plastic bags, a nationwide paper and reusable bag shortage could pose problems.
Philip Rozenski, who works with a U.S packaging manufacturer called Novolex, said companies can’t keep up with the increase in demand.
At least eight states in the U.S have bans in place, but some were delayed due to the pandemic and the shortage.
“There’s none left,” he said.
But even when production catches up with demand, the Maryland Retailers Association are concerned about the cost to switch to paper and reusable bags, which are more expensive than plastic.
Cailey Locklair, who is president of the organization, said the way the state’s bill is written, business would have to give them away for free.
She is hoping lawmakers change the bill and add a fee for customers to help offset some of the cost.
