Ban on Styrofoam aims to eliminate avoidable single-use plastics in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is taking a bold step to curb plastic waste by banning single use plastics tomorrow, 1 June 2024.
As part of this initiative, the emirate targets avoidable single-use consumer items, specifically focusing on expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam.
Effective from 1 June, 2024, the ban will include Styrofoam cups, lids, plates, and beverage containers, along with their caps and lids.
Additionally, food containers designed for immediate consumption, either on-site or for takeaway, will also be prohibited. This means any container used for food ready to be eaten without further preparation such as cooking or heating will fall under the ban.
The initiative does, however, make exemptions for certain products. Items not designed for single use, such as large storage boxes, coolers, and trays for meat, fruit, ready-made dairy products, and other retail food items, are exempt.
Medical-use products will also not be affected by the ban.
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Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the environmental benefits of this move. “As an extension of the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy and following the successful bans on plastic bags in 2022 and the introduction of the Single-Use Plastic Bottle Return Scheme in 2023, the new ban on Styrofoam products will help reduce litter and microplastics that harm human health and biodiversity.”
Dr Al Dhaheri emphasised the importance of consumer and private sector cooperation in achieving these environmental goals.
She noted the significant reduction in plastic bag usage, with 310 million single-use bags avoided and a 95 per cent reduction in bags distributed at retailers’ cash counters, equivalent to over 2,000 tonnes of plastic.
His Excellency Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), expressed ADDED’s commitment to supporting environmentally friendly strategies.
He underscored the role of ADDED in raising awareness among commercial and industrial sectors to comply with the single-use plastic policy and facilitate the transition to sustainable alternatives.
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ADDED has proactively communicated the Styrofoam ban to over 50,000 commercial establishments and 80 industrial facilities involved in plastic manufacturing. In collaboration with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, an awareness program has been launched to educate these establishments about the ban and the products it targets.
This programme includes workshops on the excluded items and guidance on switching to locally manufactured alternatives.
Field inspections by ADDED will ensure compliance with the ban from 1 June, 2024.
These inspections aim to enforce the policy across sales outlets and industrial establishments, ensuring a smooth transition to eco-friendly practices.
This decisive action by Abu Dhabi reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.
By targeting single-use plastics, the emirate aims to set a precedent for other regions to follow, demonstrating that with collective effort, significant environmental improvements are achievable.
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