Single-use styrofoam cups, plates and food containers will be phased out by 2024.
Single-use plastic bags will be banned in Abu Dhabi from Wednesday 1 June it has announced.
The initiative revealed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is a part of the UAE’s vision to enhance sustainable living in the emirate and will see measures introduced to reduce demand for 16 single-use plastic products that include cups, stirrers, lids and cutlery.
The first integrated single-use plastic policy to be implemented in the region, EAD will also push to phase out single-use styrofoam cups, plates and food containers by 2024.
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Speaking on the announcement, Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: “By launching and implementing the integrated single-use plastic policy, EAD seeks to continue the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, whose deep passion for preserving the environment inspires us in our sustainability journey.
“We are extremely eager to continue on our path of reducing the consumption of single-use plastics in Abu Dhabi.
“As part of our plan to completely curb the use of single-use plastics, we are encouraging Abu Dhabi citizens to use more multipurpose and re-usable materials to reduce their environmental footprint.
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“Today, we are introducing a ban on single-use plastic bags in the capital in light of their harmful impacts on the environment and biodiversity.”
Since the launch of the policy in March 2020, EAD has coordinated extensively with its strategic partners concerned with implementing the policy, especially plastics producers and retailers, to ensure effective implementation, as new technical standards for multi-use bags have been set.
In support of this drive, a large-scale awareness campaign will be carried out across the emirate to educate the public on the new procedures, helping to activate the ban on single-use plastic bags from June.
The news follows hot on the heels on the launch of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071.
The initiative has been developed to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s global position in environmental conservation by setting future visions, goals and plans that align with the future global megatrends and the UAE’s long-term visions, as well as future pressures, goals, and practices.
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