Despite ban, New Jersey now using more plastic: Study

(NewsNation) — New Jersey’s ban on plastic bags, implemented almost two years ago, is under scrutiny as a recent study found it may have backfired.

Conducted by market research group Freedonia Custom Research, the study commissioned by the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance, suggests that the ban may have inadvertently led to an increase in plastic consumption within the state.

In 2022, following the enforcement of the ban, the total volume of bags decreased by over 60%, totaling just under 900 million bags. However, the report reveals a 300% surge in plastic consumption required to produce the alternative bags.

The study points out that the rise is attributed to an uptick in the sale of reusable bags, especially in restaurants and grocery stores, where customers opt for purchased bags due to forgetfulness.

“Most of these alternative bags are made with non-woven polypropylene, which is not widely recycled in the United States and does not typically contain any post-consumer recycled materials,” the report states.

The ban, which took effect in May 2022, prevented large retailers, groceries and food service stores from distributing the plastic bags, reported Fox29.

According to the findings, the average grocery store is now generating approximately $200,000 in revenue from the sale of reusable bags. The study revealed that this change significantly impacted the business operations of New Jersey retailers, particularly at the front end of their establishments, as they adapt to the challenges presented by the bag ban.