Belarus to gradually refuse from reusable plastic, replacing it with environmentally friendly materials

10 января 2021
The beginning of a new year is always marked by many changes in the economy and social sphere. And one of them is also very important for the environment. 

Since January 1, there is less plastic in the country. A wide range of disposable plastic tableware has been banned in cafes and restaurants. Belarus is gradually moving away from reusable plastic, replacing it with environmentally friendly materials. Our strategy is to move in stages so as not to harm either consumers or business.

The terrible picture of the world's oceans is no longer anything out of the ordinary. Anti-environmental plastic is displacing living inhabitants from their homes. Humanity leaves 13 million tons of plastic waste every year. And now the European Union has introduced a total ban on single-use plastic products. 

In Belarus, polymer waste makes 280 thousand tons a year, which means about 25 kilograms per person.

So doing away with plastic is a necessary measure. We set the course for ecology long ago, and we are gradually moving towards it. Therefore, most Belarusians will see with their own eyes that there will be no more plastic in public catering, only with the exception of coffee caps. 

The experience has already shown: many are ready to pay more for the "eco" products. This means that firms and enterprises will find their niche. And this is an additional impulse for development of private initiative. Last year, their manufacturers could only cover 5% of the demand for paper cups on the market. Today they already produce almost the entire line of devices and utensils. 

Belarus is moving gradually towards the global environmental goal. It is planned to finally give up plastic by 2023. The innovations will not have a significant impact on prices.