Flanders is also banning plastic bags

After France and Italy’s earlier decision to ban plastic bags, Flanders is now also set to say goodbye to traditional plastic bags. At the same time, the authorised minister promised to investigate the option of bio-based plastics. Such plastic is made from starch and is biodegradable.

Our Flemish rivers are full of waste: millions of tiny, almost invisible pieces called microplastics. They are not only bad for the environment, but can also be harmful for humans, since they end up back on our plate again through the food chain. The N-VA has been pleading for polluting plastic bags to be banned before and is pleased that the minister supports our proposal.

Not going to fall into the greenwashing trap

It is also promising that the minister wishes to keep strict control of the environmental quality of biodegradable or compostable plastic bags. Some bio-based plastic bags can be disposed of on the compost heap, but not all bio-based plastics are good for the environment. Some are even indisputably harmful.