On June 1, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law banning the distribution of plastic bags. Let's try to figure out how this decision will change our life and what other changes this law brings.

So, according to the law, the sale and free distribution of ultra-thin, thin and oxo-degradable plastic bags is prohibited. That is, almost all the variants of bags and sachets that we are used to in our stores. For violation, a very significant fine is established, tied to a non-taxable minimum. At the moment, it ranges from UAH 8500 to 17000 for the first violation, and for the second one - from UAH 17000 to 34000. Moreover, fines will be imposed for each identified violation separately, i.e. for each individual store of the chain, for example. The ban comes into force after 9 months, i.e. from March 1, 2022.

There is a small exception in the law for ultra-thin bags with walls less than 15 microns thick. They are allowed for distribution. Then no problem, you say, we will just use thinner packages. However, not everything is so simple. The law states that this exception applies only to packages intended for packaging and transportation of fresh fish, meat and products from them, bulk products, ice and distributed in retail outlets as primary packaging. In addition, this rule will only be valid until January 1, 2023.

What is allowed? Biodegradable plastic bags are allowed. However, here, too, the law has made its own amendments. The package will now be considered biodegradable if it complies with national and, more importantly, European regulations for disposal by composting or biodegradation. Inform buyers that the package is biodegradable must be properly labeled, which is affixed to each package. And the application of such a marking on the bags is possible only with the confirmed compliance of these bags with European standards for biodegradation.

These changes are so complex, but it must be admitted that the adopted law will bring useful changes in our lives. And I must say that the adoption of such a law was quite expected, especially in light of the latest changes in European legislation and the latest developments in the field of packaging, many of which we have already written about. Moreover, some Ukrainian companies have taken steps to meet this law even earlier. For example, in February of this year, cardboard boxes for purchases appeared in ATB stores, which are made of recycled material and then are easily disposable. And already in March, at the cash desks of the same ATB, biodegradable compostable bags made of corn starch appeared.These examples show that change is real. And the legislative changes will hopefully accelerate the development of more environmentally friendly packaging in our country.