The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi announced that the ban on some Styrofoam products will come into effect tomorrow.
This ban comes within Abu Dhabi’s policy of single-use plastics, which aims to reduce reliance on single-use products that harm the environment and its biodiversity.
The list of prohibited products includes cups, lids and plates made of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam), food containers used to package fast food or meals ready for immediate consumption or packages containing a ready-made product that is usually consumed from the container without the need for additional operations such as cooking or heating.
Expanded polystyrene products not designed for single use are excluded from the ban, including large storage boxes and trays used to hold meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, prepared dairy products and other food items for retail sale, as well as products designed for medical uses.
Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “The ban imposed by Abu Dhabi on some Styrofoam products comes as a continuation of the success of the ban imposed on single-use plastic bags. We expect to witness compliance and cooperation at the emirate level on the part of government agencies and private sector institutions. It is Through collaborative efforts, we will achieve the best results and do not forget the important role that community members play in ensuring the success of the ban.”
The Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi explained that the long-term goal of the Authority is to reduce the entry of microplastics into the food chain, which can have harmful effects on human health, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems.
“We were very selective in choosing the Styrofoam products that would be banned to facilitate business continuity and provide convenience to consumers. All of the banned products have easily accessible alternatives,” she added.
To ensure the best possible conditions for doing business and preserving the environment, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development supports the Authority’s endeavors by raising the level of awareness among commercial outlets and industrial facilities in the emirate to comply with the single-use plastics policy.
The Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi shared the circular banning Styrofoam with more than 50,000 commercial establishments and 80 industrial facilities working in the field of plastic manufacturing. It is scheduled to conduct field inspection campaigns on sales outlets and industrial establishments to ensure that the ban is implemented throughout Abu Dhabi according to a specific timetable.
#ban #Styrofoam #products #effect #Abu #Dhabi #tomorrow