Letter to the editor regarding the article “Evaluation of the phytotoxicity of conventional and biodegradable plastic bags using seed germination tests“ by Balestri et al., published on Ecological Indicators 102(2019):569–580

Abstract According to Balestri et al. (2019) plastic carrier bags (both conventional and compostable) do release into water intentionally added chemicals, such as the noxious bisphenol A, and other phytotoxic substances probably generated during bag manufacturing. The bag leachates can adversely affect seedling growth and thus be potentially toxic to higher plants. According to the authors these findings are of particular ecological and managerial relevance. However, this article is affected by problems of inconsistency between the presentation of results, discussion, and content and sometimes communication is misleading.