Abu Dhabi Enforces Ban On Single-Use Styrofoam Products Starting June 2024

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced a ban on various Styrofoam products in the emirate, effective from 1 June 2024. This initiative is part of EAD's "Single-Use Plastic Policy," launched in 2020. Styrofoam, a type of expanded polystyrene, is commonly used in consumer products.

The ban targets avoidable, single-use consumer items. Specifically, it includes cups, lids, plates, and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene. Additionally, food container receptacles for products intended for immediate consumption or takeaway will be prohibited.

Exemptions to the ban include products not designed for single consumer use, such as large storage boxes, coolers, and trays used for meat, fruit, and ready-made dairy products. Medical-use items are also exempted from this regulation.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD Secretary-General, stated that the move aims to reduce environmental litter. Styrofoam breaks into microplastics that can enter the food chain, posing risks to human health and biodiversity.

"We are striving to make life easy for consumers while maintaining the balance of conserving the environment at the same time; therefore, for the ban, we have only selected items that are avoidable single-use plastics and have clear and sustainable alternatives," Dr. Al Dhaheri said.

Policy Successes

The Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy has already shown success. By April 2024, the consumption of 310 million single-use plastic bags was avoided. The number of bags distributed at retailers' cash counters reduced by up to 95 percent, equating to more than 2,000 tonnes of single-use plastic bags avoided.

Additionally, over 1,000 tonnes of bottles, equivalent to 67 million bottles, were collected last year.

Support from ADDED

Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), reaffirmed ADDED's commitment to supporting environment-friendly strategies. He highlighted ADDED's role in raising awareness among commercial outlets and industrial facilities to comply with the policy.

ADDED has shared the circular on the Styrofoam ban with more than 50,000 commercial establishments and 80 industrial facilities involved in plastic manufacturing. An awareness programme was launched in coordination with EAD to introduce the ban policy and present targeted Styrofoam products.

Implementation and Inspections

Starting from 1 June 2024, ADDED will conduct field inspection campaigns on sales outlets and industrial establishments to ensure compliance with the ban across Abu Dhabi.

This initiative marks a significant step towards reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable alternatives in Abu Dhabi.

With inputs from WAM