“You’re talking 5 to 6 years before this starts to be relieved:” Paper bag manufacturing company says switching from plastic to paper could be a problem,

MARYLAND- While the Plastic Bag Reduction Act is still making it’s way through the General Assembly, one packaging manufacturer said making the switch from plastic to paper bags may not be so easy.

You may remember if the bill is passed it would get rid of thin plastic bags at the checkout counter giving customers plastic-free choices, like paper.

An official with the North American packaging manufacturer said there’s been a shortage of paper nationally for years.

We’re told that may be because resources to make paper bags are harder to get.

But more critical factors causing a shortage is lack of facilities, equipment, and workers needed to produce the final product.

“You’re talking five to six years before this starts to be relieved,” Phil Rozenski, Vice President of Public Affairs at Novolex. “Because of recent regulations there is a multi billion bag shortage in North America, North American and global capacity is not able to meet the demands in North America.”

We’re also told right now he does not think this bill would be positive for businesses because of how the economy is.

He said he thinks the issue of the shortage will still continue for years to come because it takes time to build a factory, to build suppliers that can provide paper.