Research and Reports

The Impacts of Degradable Plastic Bags in Australia (April 2004)
The Department of the Environment and Heritage on behalf of the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) commissioned this study, to investigate the full impacts of introducing degradable plastic bags in the Australian market. In particular, it aimed to examine the effects on national recycling efforts, local manufacturing, and landfills.

Senate Environment Committee Report: rejects plastic bag levy (November 2003)
The report includes a good overview of the range of issues presented and concluded that regulation 'should usually be reserved as the option of last resort' and that the existing range of abatement and educative measures agreed to by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) are anticipated as being beneficial in achieving reductions in bag litter. 

Plastic Shopping Bags in Australia: National Plastic Bags Working Group Report to the National Packaging Covenant Council (December 2002)
Australian Environment Ministers, recognising the community's concern about plastic bags, established an expert working group to provide a range of options for the National Packaging Covenant Council and governments for reducing the environmental impact of plastic carry bags.

Plastic Shopping Bags - Analysis of Levies and Environmental Impacts (December 2002)
An evaluation of the likely impacts of taxes and levies on plastic bags and the potential impacts of alternatives to provide a solid base for informed debate and national policy development regarding plastic shopping bags in Australia. The purpose of the report was to explore the options and their associated potential environmental and economic impacts to inform policy and decision making, therefore, no specific policy recommendations were made.

Biodegradable Plastics - Developments and Environmental Impacts (October 2002)
A national review of the environmental issues associated with biodegradable plastics recommended that a framework be established for standards and testing, based on appropriate international standards. The principal aim of the review was to identify the emerging environmental issues associated with biodegradable plastics.