France to ban non-degradable plastic bags

French MPs have unanimously voted to ban non-biodegradable plastic carrier bags by 2010, it emerged this week. Initially drafted as a private member's bill by Yves Jego MP in February, the amendment is now part of a framework law on farming which is expected to be passed next week, according to a spokeswoman from the French agriculture ministry.

The amendment is expected to help French farmers find new market opportunities as production subsidies through the EU's common agricultural policy are progressively declining. Biodegradable plastic bags are currently made of polymer and corn starch.