PE bag makers in alleged price fixing.(Company News)

The European Commission (EC) has accused 43 companies of fixing the prices of PE shopping bags between 1982-2001.

The companies cited by the EC as being part of the cartel include British Polythene Industries plc (BPI), UK, UPM-Kymmene, Finland, and Low and Bonar plc, UK.

UPM-Kymmene says it will cooperate with the investigation but has pointed out that its PE film and bags operations were sold to Rheinische Kunstoffwerke GmbH, Germany, in December 2000.

BPI admitted involvement in another cartel in 2002. Low and Bonar sold its Belgian PE film and bags business (Bonar Phromium Packaging NV) to BPI in 1997.

If companies assist the EC in its investigations, they are eligible for a 75% reduction in any subsequent fine. In some cases, the fine may be waived completely.

For further information, contact: European Commission, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium; tel: +32-2-299-1111; Internet: http://europa.eu.int