Ministry bans printing on non-degradable plastic bags

Dubai (WAM) The Ministry of Environment and Water yesterday issued a ministerial resolution that prohibits printing on non-biodegradable plastic bags.

The decision is in line with resolution 5/77 of 2009 by the Ministerial Council for Services, which approved prohibiting the use of plastic bags and other plastic products that are non-biodegradable and do not comply with the approved standards, starting from first of January, 2013 in addition to resolution number 5/376 of 2009 which lists the dangers of printing on non-biodegradable plastic bags. Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, said under the new resolution, shops were not allowed to print commercial names, products names, advertisements, and anything else on non-biodegradable plastic bags.

"The ‘UAE free of plastic bags' initiative was part of the ministry's objectives to create awareness on the hazards of plastic bags on the environment," said Dr Mariam Al Shinasi, Executive Director of the ministry's Technical Affairs.

"Plastic bags do not degrade very easily, remaining in the environment for a very long period of time. It is also responsible for 50 per cent of the trash that defame the beautiful streets of the UAE," she added.

The resolution is in line with the ministry's strategy to enhance and consolidate environment awareness and security, in addition to sustaining the best levels for developing natural resources.

"The resolution is in line with the Ministry's objectives to reduce the usage of plastic bags. It seeks to protect both human and animal life," Dr Rashid said.