In Ukraine for a year as a result of the government's decision to set minimum retail prices for plastic bags, people have reduced their use by 40-90%.
This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Economy Denis Kudin based on the results of the analysis of the information of the Association of Retailers of Ukraine, reports Ministry of Economy.
He emphasized that for 2022, Ukrainians have also more than doubled their consumption of biodegradable bags.
"The decision of the government, which set the minimum retail prices for plastic bags, gave a significant result in one year – Ukrainians reduced the purchase of such bags by 40% to 90%, depending on their types. And more and more often they use biodegradable ones that do not pollute the environment," he said Kudin
He also emphasized that in in some supermarket chains, sales of biodegradable bags increased 13-15 times in 2022.
Kudin explained that the decrease in sales volumes of plastic bags occurred in the conditions of the increase in their purchase prices, which contributed to the creation of the necessary economic guarantees for manufacturers of plastic bags. It also encouraged manufacturers to modernize production in favor of biodegradable plastic bags.
Earlier, EcoPolitic wrote, that from February 1, 2022, the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers to establish minimum retail prices for plastic bags entered into force in Ukraine, according to which their cost will be at least 2 hryvnias per piece.
As EcoPolitic previously reported, began to operate in Ukraine on January 1, 2023 ban on the distribution of plastic bags up to 50 μm thick in shops, markets and catering establishments.