evidence: The proposal aims to reduce the consumption of plastic carrier bags with a thickness of below 50 microns (0,05 millimetres) in the European Union. For description purposes, the directive is aimed at lightweight thin-walled plastic bags that are distributed at a check-out and used to carry goods from supermarkets and other shops. [...] The same report states that in 2010, over 8 billion plastic carrier bags were littered in the EU. Such litter acutely affects the marine environment resulting in large volumes accumulating in our seas. Even in countries with no coastline, plastic bags are brought to the oceans through rivers and streams. Since the life of a plastic carrier bag can last for hundreds of years, this represents a huge global challenge in terms of causing pollution as well as affecting our ocean ecosystems. [...] If no efficient action is taken, the number of plastic carrier bags placed on the market is projected to rise at EU-27 level from 99bn in 2010 to 111bn in 2020 (3). Failure to take immediate and forceful action that limits the usage of plastic bags and the related littering problem will affect the environment and citizens within and outside the EU and plastics recyclers, public authorities, the fishing industry, tourism industry and local businesses.