The implementation of the decision of the Council of Ministers in the Arab and United Gulf States to ban the use of single-use plastic bags starting from the new year 2024 has actually begun.
A circular was issued to all stores and shopping centers in the UAE to completely ban single-use plastic bags in the UAE.
Replace them with reusable bags
For its part, sales outlets, stores and shopping centers in the Emirates have decided to use reusable bags, in line with the recent decision of the Emirati government.
The shopping centers explained that different types of reusable bags will be used, stressing that the new type of shopping bags is characterized by a variety of sizes and prices.
Carrefour has completely stopped using plastic bags
In a related context, the director of the Carrefour store chain in the United Arab Emirates explained that the use of plastic bags will be completely stopped, starting in the new year 2024.
Bertrand Lombe, director of the Camphor chain of stores in the Emirates, added that reusable bags are scheduled to be used at reasonable prices, to reduce excessive consumption of plastic bags.
The Carrefour chain of stores in the Emirates also encourages consumers to bring bags for shopping from home, and the Carrefour chain of stores is considered one of the first stores to provide customers with reusable bags.
13 billion bags are used annually
It is worth noting that the United Arab Emirates uses up to 13 billion single-use plastic bags annually.
Accordingly, the government of the United Arab Emirates is implementing an integrated system to raise the awareness of citizens and residents of the importance of consuming sustainable products. A circular economy system will also be implemented to deal with plastic waste for recycling, with the use of biodegradable types of plastic materials.