Page 30 - Plastics News - January 2024

ENVIRONMENT NEWS
AIPMA AT WORK

Dubai bans single-use plastic bags
The Crown Prince of Dubai has issued an Executive Council Resolution, effective from the last day of 2023, initiating
a phased ban on the import and trading of single-use products. The resolution encompasses both single-use virgin and
recycled products, regardless of material composition. Commencing with single-use plastic bags on January 1, 2024, the
ban will progressively extend to cover various single-use plastic products, including stirrers, table covers, cups, foam
food containers, straws, and cotton swabs, by January 1, 2025. The ultimate aim is to encourage eco-friendly practices,
promote reusable products, and foster sustainable development, aligning with circular economy principles. Certain
exemptions apply, including single-use thin films for packaging and products intended for export. The move follows the
hosting of COP28 by the United Arab Emirates, which concluded with a historic agreement to transition away from
fossil fuels.

Belgium Faces Urgent Eight-Week Sprint to Conclude Deals on Emissions and Packaging Waste Legislation

Belgium, as the current EU Council presidency, has a tight eight-week window to secure deals on crucial climate and
environmental legislation with the European Parliament. The legislative package includes measures to address packaging
waste, limits on CO2 emissions from lorries, and rules for carbon removal certification. The successful conclusion of
these negotiations is pivotal for the European Green Deal, a cornerstone initiative for climate, energy, and environmental
policies. The urgency stems from the impending EU elections in June, highlighting the need to finalize negotiations
before new MEPs, with potentially differing priorities, take office.

The legislation under discussion includes the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF), setting guidelines for
carbon reduction through initiatives like forest preservation and technological solutions. Additionally, updated CO2
emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles and the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, aimed at curbing the
escalating issue of packaging waste, are part of the negotiations. The pressure is on Belgium to navigate the complexities
of intergovernmental negotiations and trilogues with the European Parliament to reach agreements on these critical
environmental policies before the election season takes full swing.

30 PLASTICS NEWSASTICS NEWS January 2024
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