Bahrain has banned the production and use of single-use plastic bags which have been posing a threat to aquatic and wildlife across the region in a decisive move which comes into effect today.
The ban on the import, manufacture and distribution of single-use plastic bags with a thickness of less than 35 microns, announced by the Testing and Metrology Directorate of the Industry, Commerce, and Tourism Ministry, is part of the government’s plan to protect the environment from pollutants and reduce the spread of plastic waste.
It also comes in line with the plan to sort waste before it is disposed of at the soon-to-be-full Hafeera landfill site.
Industry, Commerce Minister Zayed Alzayani had earlier stated that a comprehensive study by the ministry revealed that 86 per cent of local factories will continue to manufacture plastic products that are not included in the ministerial decision, while 100pc of the factories intend to continue manufacturing multi-use plastic bags with a thickness of more than 35 microns.
The move has been generally welcomed by environmental campaigners and experts. “Single -use plastic carrier bags are one of the major threats to the island’s environment amongst all other plastic wastes, mainly due to its increasing accumulation, improper disposal and spread which ends up in the landfill and reaches marine ecosystems in the form of microplastics, which are a major threat to the aquatic flora and fauna,” said Bahrain-based environmentalist Dr Anamica Bhattacharya.
“The ban is definitely an appreciated step which supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs - the 17 ambitious United Nations’ global goals towards a sustainable future) 2030, because, the thinner the bag, the greater the possibility of breakdown into microplastics and some heavy metals mixing with soil and water, ultimately being consumed through the food chain.
“This move would create more awareness and responsibility around saving our environment. With the enforcement of the law - and with all our cooperation - we can definitely build a safe and sustainable environment for all living creatures,” she said.
Bags used for medical purposes and those manufactured for export are exempt from the order. The latest ban follows the stoppage of manufacture, import or trade of plastic water bottles and cups below 200ml in January.
Back in July 2019, Bahrain banned the importation of non-biodegradable plastic bags and one year later put a stop on plastic table covers. “All these steps have benefitted society by reducing plastic pollution,” added Dr Bhattacharya.
Expatriate eco-campaigner Kai Miethig, a German volunteer with CleanUp Bahrain, has called for further action to ensure people change their habits and don’t simply revert to using thicker plastic bags now they are the only ones available.
He suggested that making people pay for using any sized plastic bag could help solve the issue. “A fee of at least 100fils or even 500fils for each single use plastic bag will help turn the table on the habits of customers immediately.”
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