MOIC issued the Ministerial order No. (14) for the year 2022 regarding the ban of manufacturing, importing and circulation of single-use plastic bags with a thickness below 35 microns and will take effect on 18 September 2022. This Ministerial order comes from the Ministry's approach to support environment protection initiatives, and to apply the government's work program in securing an environment that supports sustainability, and to achieve Bahrain's 2030 economic vision to preserve natural spaces and reduce pollution.
In this regard, HE Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, confirms that banning single-use plastic bags with a thickness below 35 microns, aims to protect the environment from pollutants, and to limit the danger of plastic waste spread, which represents a major danger to the wildlife in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Moreover, HE clarified that MOIC conducted a full study of the plastic bag factories and the local retail markets, as well as the plastic bag alternative factories in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The results of the study showed that 86% of the local factories will continue to manufacture plastic products that are exempted by the Ministerial Order, or manufacture plastic bag alternatives, and that a 100% of those factories intend to manufacture multi-use plastic bags with a thickness above 35 microns. Plastic bag alternative factories also confirmed these types of bags are available for sale in local retail markets, and that these bags can be used for various purposes.
Furthermore, HE, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, clarified that this study comes as an indicator of the Ministry's belief in the importance of involving the private sector in the studies of governmental regulations and orientations prior their issuance. As well as his profound role in reinforcing conjoint business between both sectors, through constant direct communication between the Ministry and the Bahrain Chamber of Industry and Commerce. This has achieved integration between the public and private sector, which in turn contributes to accomplishing Bahrain's 2030 economic vision.
Additionally, HE noted that the banning of single-use plastic bags is not the first initiative in the region. Whereas many neighboring and developed countries proceeded us in applying it, putting ahead environment protection as a main goal by limiting the spread of plastic waste, which poses great danger to the environment and wildlife in these countries. It is also worth noting that this regulation exempts plastic bag products with a thickness above 35 microns, as well as bags used for medical purposes and export purposes, which does not have a wide effect on the consumer or manufacturer, and simultaneously contributes to environmental protection and harmful plastic waste reduction.
In conclusion, HE confirmed that MOIC is moving forward in achieving the safety and well-being of citizens and residents, and it is working intensively to take measures concerning environmental safety by focusing on the most important plans and projects that contribute to limiting the deterioration of environmental systems and boosting their recovery. Which in turn leads to preserving the environment and the country's gains in our surrounding environmental system. HE also emphasized on the necessity of everyone's cooperation to move forward in enforcing all efforts to preserve environmental safety, which in turn would greatly help the country avoid many possible environmental issues.
