No more plastic bags from today in Punjab

LAHORE: The Punjab government’s campaign against plastic bags comes into effect from today (June 5) in the entire province.  

In this regard, the administration has started work to ensure replacement of plastic bags of less than 75 microns in shopping malls of the city.

Initially the teams would confiscate plastic bags of less than 75 microns (polyethylene, non-woven polypropylene) from retailers of commercial areas. The environment department would start registration of producers, distributors, recyclers and collectors.

The registration of producers and distributors shall be accompanied with an affidavit stating that they will not produce/distribute plastic bags of less than 75 microns and will phase out their stock in 45 days in an environment-friendly manner.

After 45 days, the existing stock of producers and distributors will be confiscated.

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Producers, distributors, recyclers and collectors who do not register themselves in 15 days from June 5 will be sealed on June 21.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that the Punjab government has prohibited the use, production, sale, and trade of plastic bags from today. She emphasized that the use of plastic has detrimental effects on the environment and human health.

“The purpose of the ‘Say No to Plastic’ campaign is to reduce environmental pollution and promote eco-friendly practices,” said Maryam Nawaz. She added that the policy banning plastic would be enforced strictly.

Maryam Nawaz also stated that the use of plastic bags in hotels, restaurants, and food outlets is now prohibited.

She encouraged the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives, such as cotton bags, to replace plastic bags.