September 16, 2008

French ‘Picnic Tax’ Targets Non-Recyclable Cardboard

In a move to encourage consumers to buy more eco-friendly products, France will tax distributors and importers of non-recyclable disposable plates and cutlery; a precursor to wider moves which could include consumer electronics, Reuters reports.

France’s Environment Minister Jean-Louis Borloo told Reuters that the “picnic tax,” which would amount to  $1.26, would apply to non-recyclable cardboard. Although the minister first said plastic tableware would be included, he later changed his tune on plastic, saying it wouldn’t be included.

Still, plastics packaging industry criticized the move and said it would be difficult to implement and did not target products that created the largest amount of waste.

Tax breaks will also be given to environmentally friendly products.

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