More expensive plastic bags in May - so customers think

The new excise tax is three kroner on plastic carrier bags and 30 øre per "fruit bag", ie thinner plastic bags that are less than seven liters.

It is manufacturers and importers who pay the tax on the plastic bags. But the trade organization Svensk Handel believes that in the end it is the consumer who is allowed to take the increased cost for the stores.

- For my part, they would like to cost twenty bucks because I do not use plastic bags. I think it's good for the plastic to be phased out, says Ken Råberg, customer at Coop in Umeå.

But there is some criticism of the tax increase. The National Institute of Economic Research, which has been one of the referral bodies, does not consider that the government has shown that plastic bags significantly contribute to the reduction.

Swedish Trade calls the plastic tax symbolic policy that lacks environmental benefits. The industry organization believes that there is no serious problem with littering of plastic bags along Swedish beaches and in nature.

At Stora Coop in Umeå you will gradually phase out the smaller fruit bags against paper bags. And according to Per Eriksson, sales manager, they have not been called down by dissatisfied customers.

- We haven't noticed much of it actually. Many people seem to have been informed and we hope that it will have a good effect on the environment. In addition, many customers buy a plastic basket instead, says Per Eriksson, sales manager at Stora Coop in Umeå.

Hear Per and the customers about the new plastic cash tax in the clip above.