Abu Dhabi reports 95% drop in single-use plastic bags in first year of ban

Abu Dhabi has reduced the use of single-use plastic bags in retail stores by more than 172 million since the emirate introduced a ban on June 1, 2022.

That's according to the latest stats released by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), which said the reduction is equivalent to 450,000 bags a day.

The move for a more sustainable living has secured a dramatic 95 per cent drop in single-use plastic bags, the agency added. 

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the EAD, explained it's "an overall reduction of the weight of plastic consumed by 77 per cent" that's equivalent to a drop of "more than 1,000 tonnes of plastic bags in just one year".

"The carbon footprint of the quantity of plastic eliminated is equivalent to 272,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent which translates into saving emission from 629,000 barrels during the past year." 

Following the ban, 14 government entities have already cleared single-use products from their offices, with plans underway for more workplaces to join in.

The environment agency will soon launch a Bottle Return Scheme as well as a ban on Styrofoam products in 2024.

.@EADTweets has reported that the Single-Use Plastic Policy has resulted in up to a 95 per cent reduction in use of single-use plastic bags in its first year, encouraging responsible consumption and fostering a culture of sustainability in the emirate. pic.twitter.com/CnpEgW2UiZ

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 6, 2023