In a significant move toward environmental accountability, Walmart and Reynolds Consumer Products have agreed to cease the sale of certain plastic bags in Minnesota for a period of two and a half years. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by the state’s attorney general, Keith Ellison, which claimed that the companies misled consumers by marketing the bags as recyclable.
The lawsuit, initiated in June 2023 in Ramsey County District Court, specifically targeted Reynolds’ Hefty-brand plastic bags, available in blue or clear 13- and 30-gallon sizes.
As part of the settlement reached on Thursday, both companies have committed to removing these bags from their shelves. Should they choose to resume sales after the moratorium, the bags will be required to bear labels indicating they are non-recyclable.
The settlement includes a collective financial compensation of $216,670, which encompasses 100% of the profits derived from the sales of the targeted bags, as well as covering the state’s attorney fees and other related expenses.
Attorney General Ellison emphasized the importance of holding corporations accountable for misleading marketing practices that can have adverse effects on the environment.
The decision marks a noteworthy step in the ongoing efforts to combat plastic waste and promote environmentally sustainable practices within the retail industry. Environmental advocates have long criticized the use of misleading labels on plastic products, urging for clearer guidelines and regulations to help consumers make informed choices.
Walmart https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walmartand Reynolds Consumer Products have yet to release official statements regarding the settlement but are expected to comply with the agreement terms, reinforcing their commitment to responsible business practices in the face of growing environmental concerns.
