2025-26, the End of Single-use Plastic in Dubai

 

 

 

The latest trend of reducing the amount of plastic bags by the Dubai government, United Arab Emirates, to find additional methods to help reduce the amount of use in the country which were aimed at reducing the environmental problems that, previously, the Dubai government had announced a ban on the distributions of the single-use plastic bags in shopping malls, supermarkets and convenience stores, however, customers could still buy the plastic bags from the stores themselves. The disposal of plastic has become a serious problem to the extent that the United Nations has identified single-use plastics as one of the greatest environmental challenges in the world today.

 

 

Later, this issue became clearer. The Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council agreed to announce a complete ban on the use of disposable plastic products, including foams, cups, coffee straws, drink stirrers and cotton swabs in 2025. This move aims to encourage the private sector to promote the use of recycled products, to try to control the use and recycling of single-use products and plastic products. This announcement applies to single-use products and recycled products, including plastics and non-plastic products, regardless of the composition of the materials.

 

Related Products:

 

The products covered are single-use and non-plastic plastic products as well as food packaging materials, vegetable and fruit wraps, thick plastic bags, plastic containers and packaging materials partly or entirely made of plastics such as those used for plastic bottles, snack bags, wet wipes, balloons and plastic balloon sticks, other than food packaging. The regulation covers both sellers and consumers in Dubai, including the Free Zones and Dubai International Financial Centre.

 

Phase-by-Phase Approach:

 

The provisions of the resolution prohibiting the import and trade of single-use products are in a manner of gradual basis. The government has banned the sale of non-plastic single-use products starting from 1 January 2025. The single-use plastic products that are subject to the regulation include drink stirring sticks, plastic table covers, cups, foam food containers, plastic straws and plastic cotton swabs.

 

Exempted Products:

 

The government of Dubai prioritizes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the diversification of energy patterns and the increase in the use of renewable energy sources. The resolution also requires sellers to actively participate in projects, initiatives and programs with a goal of reducing plastic materials and single-use products. Products exempted from the resolution are thin single-use plastic roll bags for packing meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains and bread, and garbage bags. The exemption also covers products intended for exports and re-exports such as disposable plastic shopping bags and other disposable products.

 

The ban on single-use plastics is a sign of the drive from all parties to change for a better environment. The UAE’s population of 10 million currently has the highest per capita pollution rate in the world, overtaking Australia and the United States. Amidst the growing global plastic waste crisis, the UAE is one of the countries actively campaigning and reducing plastic use. Business operators need to adapt to meet the need to reduce plastic waste and meet consumer demands. Developing environmentally friendly packaging is an opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs to expand the alternative packaging market.