The ban covers all conventional and bio-based plastic bags and other plastic products, except those made from oxo-biodegradable plastic, according to the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA).
In a statement, the Pak-EPA said: “This landmark step taken by the Ministry of Climate Change will have long term benefits to control spread of waste plastic bags and enable exporters to comply with the environment-friendly packaging demanded in the international market.
“Many countries in Asia, Europe and America have successfully controlled plastic waste by introducing oxo-biodegradable plastic technology. The technology is simple which neither needs alteration in machinery nor in the process.
“A small quantity of olefin based additive (1-3%) is mixed with the raw material (granules) to develop biodegradable properties in plastic. Plastic bags made with this technology if left in open air or water absorb oxygen.”
The ban is set to provide an opportunity for oxo-biodegradable plastic firm Symphony Environmental. The government of the United Arab Emirates legislated to require oxo-biodegradability of plastic carrier-bags as from 1 January 2012, and earlier this month they extended the range of products to include almost all disposable plastic products made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene.
