Malawi announces ban on thin plastics to combat environmental pollution

Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change Yusuf Mkungula has announced that the government will enforce a ban on thin plastics less than 60 microns in thickness, effective July 8, 2024.

The announcement was made at a press briefing held in Lilongwe on Monday, following the recent dismissal of an appeal by one of the country's plastics manufacturers by the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Mkungula said that the Malawi Environment Protection Authority will be conducting tests on plastics in all manufacturing companies to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

The production, distribution, importation and sale of thin plastics are illegal, and those found violating these laws will face prosecution, he said.

The government plans to collaborate with various stakeholders, including the police, anti-corruption institutions, community leaders and the general public, to ensure strict enforcement of the ban. Additionally, a toll-free line has been introduced for the public to report any illegal activities related to the manufacturing, distribution or importation of the banned thin plastics.

The ban on thin plastics was first imposed in 2015, but it was overturned by the high court a year later after a legal challenge by some plastic manufacturers. This led to a prolonged legal battle, characterized by injunctions and subsequent court rulings.

On June 20, 2024, the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by Golden Plastics Limited, granting the government the authority to enforce the ban.

Environmental activists have welcomed the court's decision, praising it as a significant step toward environmental protection.