Walmart and Reynolds Consumer Products agreed to stop selling misleadingly marketed recyclable plastic bags in Minnesota, paying $216,670 to settle a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Keith Ellison.
James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sued Walmart and Reynolds Consumer Products for falsely marketing plastic bags as recyclable.
- The companies will stop selling the bags in Minnesota for two and a half years and pay a settlement covering their profits and legal fees.
- If the companies resume selling the bags, they must label them as non-recyclable under the terms of the settlement.
Key quote:
"I'm pleased that Reynolds and Walmart, who profited from Minnesotans’ good intentions, have agreed to stop marketing so-called ‘recycling’ bags to us that can’t be recycled."
— Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General
Why this matters:
Plastic waste is a growing environmental concern, and deceptive marketing contributes to the problem by misleading consumers about recycling options. The settlement underscores the importance of holding companies accountable for environmental claims, helping ensure truthful advertising in consumer products.
