Officials raise concerns over New York proposal that would cut down on plastic waste

ALBANY, NY- A proposal in the state legislature that would essentially reduce the overall amount of plastic waste has stirred up talk around the North Country.

This measure, known officially as the ‘Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act,’ targets one time use plastic packaging, such as wrappers, potato chip bags and various other single use packaging.

While there is much support for the bill, especially from environmental groups, we do have confirmation from the office of New York State Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush that the Kraft-Heinz Company has concerns regarding the proposal.

Specifically, Kraft-Heinz officials say the way things stand for now, several of their products, including their Philadelphia Cream Cheese and others, would no longer exist as is on store shelves if the bill is passed.

With roughly 400 employees, several of these Kraft-Heinz products at risk are produced right in Lowville, NY. “I met with Kraft-Heinz in January,” North Country Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush said via a released statement.

“This is a ridiculous bill which continues to make doing business in New York State a nightmare.”

The Assemblyman said he voted no in the Ways and Means Committee.

We have reached out to Kraft-Heinz officials and other North Country lawmakers for more details.

Kraft-Heinz image.