Chicago Fuels National Bag Recycling Movement

CHICAGO, May. 14 /PRNewswire/ --

CHICAGO, May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Progressive Bag Affiliates (PBA) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) applaud the Chicago City Council for passing legislation that requires the establishment of in-store recycling programs for plastic bags in certain retail stores.

This latest move to promote plastic bag recycling reflects a growing trend sweeping the country. From coast to coast -- from Honolulu to the State of California to Austin and New York City -- more communities are realizing that plastic bag recycling is a practical policy that is good for the environment and the economy.

"The City Council is making it easier for Chicago residents to participate in a growing national movement to recycle plastic bags," said Steve Russell, managing director for the plastics division of the American Chemistry Council. "The fact is, the more that policy makers study this issue, the more they recognize that promoting plastic bag recycling is the right choice for their communities."

More Americans are recycling plastic bags and film than ever before, driven by a growing realization that plastic bags and film are a valuable resource. In the United States, plastic bags and film recycling increased by 24% in 2006, reaching a record high of 812 million pounds. The increase in recycling is in part driven by greater demand for valuable recycled plastic and increased recycling of plastic grocery bags in states like Illinois.

These materials are made into useful new products, such as low-maintenance fencing and decking, building and construction products, and new carryout bags.

Plastic bags are a good environmental choice compared to alternatives. They require 40-70 percent less energy to produce, generate 40 percent less green house gas emissions, and take up 80 percent less space in a landfill than paper bags. Even a 100% recycled paper bag requires more energy to manufacture and process than a plastic bag.

About the Progressive Bag Affiliates

The Progressive Bag Affiliates of the American Chemistry Council promote the responsible use and recycling of plastic bags. The PBA recycling toolkit is being used by retailers around the nation as a reference for determining the best ways to deploy effective recycling solutions in stores. For more information, please visit http://www.plasticbagrecycling.org.

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care(R), common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $635 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

Contact: Jennifer Killinger (703) 741-5833

Email: jennifer_killinger@americanchemistry.com