In Europe, for "plastic restriction", the methods adopted by various countries can be summarized into two types: one is to levy taxes and charges, and the other is to completely prohibit the use.
Denmark was the first to levy a tax on plastic bags. In 1993, Denmark began to levy taxes on plastic bag manufacturers, and at the same time allowed retailers to charge for plastic bags. This regulation directly led to a 60% drop in the use of plastic bags in Denmark at that time. France, Ireland, Bulgaria, Belgium and other countries all adopt this approach.
In Germany, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands and other countries, retailers charge customers for plastic bags. Italy is even more stringent. In 2011, the government announced that, except for biodegradable or decomposable plastic bags, other plastic bags are banned.
