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AVIANO, Italy — A ban on the production and distribution of non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags went into effect on Jan. 1 in Italy.

Italian stores will be allowed to distribute their current stocks, but after that customers must use paper bags, biodegradable plastic bags or other containers, according to ANSA, an Italian wire service.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Navy Exchange and Defense Commissary Agency are reviewing the change to see if their operations will be affected.

If it’s determined that plastic bags are out on base, customers might end up paying more, AAFES spokesman Lt. Col. David Correll said. Paper bags cost about 5 cents more per bag to produce than plastic, and biodegradable plastic bags cost about 23 cents more. AAFES would have to evaluate whether it could absorb such costs or pass the increase to the customer, he said.

From staff reports

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