Page 57 - Plastics News August 2026
P. 57
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Egypt Gears Up To Tackle Packaging Waste
gypt is moving ahead with plans to ap- Awad called for easier registration procedures
ply an extended producer responsibility to support participation by companies subject
E(EPR) system to selected packaging ma- to the scheme.
terials, according to reports.
During the meeting, officials determined which
packaging materials will be prioritised in the ini-
tial stage, following consultations with private-
sector participants and other stakeholders.
The publication added that assessments of the
relevant value chains indicated that the scheme
could cut the share of waste directed to landfill,
reinforce circular economy practices and gener-
ate employment in recycling.
The discussion also covered the shift from legis-
lation to practical implementation after a prime
ministerial decision set out the products included
The move is said to be part of a broader poli- in the system, the obligations on producers, the
cy aimed at reducing landfill disposal, expand- fees to be applied and the duties of the involved
ing recycling and advancing a circular economy. authorities.
Egypt’s Local Development and Environment According to the report, officials also reviewed
Minister Manal Awad discussed the prepara- the national WIMS, which handles electronic li-
tions with Yasser Abdallah, chief executive of censing, approvals and permits for activities re-
the Waste Management Regulatory Authority. lated to waste and hazardous material.
The ministry said the digital platform for the EPR
The system includes licences and approvals for
scheme has been completed and is ready for the collection, transport, treatment and secure
launch through the country’s Waste Information final disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous
Management System (WIMS). waste.
Under the system, producers and importers will It also includes permits for waste exports and
imports of non-hazardous waste used as indus-
be able to register and report the volumes of
trial inputs.
packaging materials they place on the domestic
market.
August 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 61
