WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement in response to renewed discussions on the harm caused by New Jersey’s paper bag ban:

“Paper bags are a sustainable choice and part of an environmental solution for the Garden State.

“Recyclable paper bags can serve as an alternative to the increasing volume of reusable, but non-recyclable, bags being distributed without any plan for end-of-life impacts.

“New Jersey is the only state in the nation that has banned paper bags. Lawmakers in Trenton can fix this broken law right now. An amendment is needed to ensure access to paper bags, which are 100% recyclable, as well as reusable and compostable.”