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Sharjah to halt production of single-use plastic bags after ban from January 2024 – News

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Some products are exempt from the decision

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Via Webdesk

Published: Mon Apr 22, 2024 3:51 pm

Sharjah announced on Monday that the municipality has stopped producing single-use plastic bags. As a result, all manufacturers have to stop production.

This decision follows the ban on single-use plastic bags and materials across the emirate from January 1, 2024. Retailers were ordered to stop trading, manufacturing, offering and importing single-use plastic bags and materials covered by the ban .

The ban aims to protect the environment by reducing plastic pollution and encouraging sustainability and a culture of environmental protection. However, the products listed below are exempt from this directive.

1. Single-use plastic bags, including:

  • Thin plastic bag rolls used for packaging meat, vegetables, fruit, grains and bread.
  • Garbage bags.
  • Medicine bags.
  • Large shopping bags designed for fashion, electronic gadgets and toys.

2. Single-use plastic bags intended for export or re-export outside the UAE, provided that a clear marking is placed indicating the purpose of production for export or re-export. Trade in these products on domestic markets is prohibited.

3. Single-use bags and products made from recyclable materials within the UAE, as determined in consultation with the relevant authorities.

4. Other products and materials specified and exempted by the competent authority in coordination with the ministry.

The authorities strongly recommend it following reusable bags due to their lower environmental impact and recyclability.

  1. Bags made of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Can be reused 4-10 times.
  2. Bags made of non-woven polypropylene (PP): reusable 6-52 times.
  3. Woven bags made of polypropylene (PP): reusable up to 5-45 times.
  4. Cotton bags: reusable up to 50-150 times.
  5. Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bags: designed for multiple uses.
  6. Polyester bags: multifunctional, lightweight and foldable.
  7. Biopolymer or PLA (polylactic acid) bags: suitable for biodegradation in controlled air environments under specific temperature and humidity conditions.
  8. Composite Bags: Plastic handles attached to a burlap bag.

Methods to distinguish reusable bags:

The following information must be printed on the bag so that consumers can identify reusable bags

— Type of material used in making the bag.

— Declaration showing that the bag is reusable, together with the number of times the bag can be reused.

— Declaration showing that the bag is washable.

— Declaration showing that the bag is free of toxic substances.

— If the bag is made of recyclable material, this must be indicated on the bag.

Criteria for multifunctional bags:

– Bags must have a non-stretch handle that is securely attached to maintain the bag’s durability and strength standards.

– The capacity of the bag should not be less than 15 liters.

– Compliance with standards established by local authorities and entities in the UAE.

Specifications for the production of multifunctional bags

Includes UAE Standard Specification No. (UAE.S5054:2023) for the technical requirements of multi-use plastic bags:

— Must be washable in automatic washing machines or made of cleanable or sterilizable materials.

— Must be free of toxic substances: Reusable bags must be free of ink, dyes, glues or other additives such as lead, mercury or other toxic substances. They should not contain incidental concentrations of toxic substances. These restrictions also apply to any components, coatings or labels.

— Compliance with approved technical requirements and standard specifications applicable in the UAE.

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