Germany Steps Up Environmental Policy, UAE and New Zealand Also Take Action

Germany will implement a new environmental policy from January 1, 2024, introducing a deposit system for single-use plastic bottles of dairy products, with a minimum deposit of 0.25 euros per bottle. This policy expansion aims to reduce resource waste and promote widespread recycling of packaging.

Additionally, German plastic recycling businesses will be eligible for energy subsidies from 2025 onward, incentivizing more companies to engage in green environmental activities. These measures are designed to address the challenges of rising energy prices, falling prices for recycled plastics, and increasing labor costs, while supporting EU member states in providing energy assistance as outlined in the "2022 European National Guide to Climate, Environmental Protection, and Energy Assistance."

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also taking proactive steps against plastic pollution. Effective January 1, 2024, the UAE will ban the import, production, or circulation of single-use plastic shopping bags, including biodegradable plastics. Dubai will enforce a similar ban on the trading and import of single-use plastic bags starting on the same day, and from June 1, 2024, will prohibit the use of non-plastic disposable products. By January 1, 2025, Dubai will extend the ban to all single-use plastic products, including plastic stirrers, table covers, cups, plastic straws, and cotton swabs. The plastic ban will be further expanded to include items such as plates, food containers, utensils, and cups by January 1, 2026.

New Zealand is also stepping up its environmental efforts. Starting February 1, 2024, roadside recycling bins across New Zealand will only accept plastics number 1, 2, and 5 (PET, HDPE, and PP), part of a standardized roadside recycling strategy released by the New Zealand Environment Department. The strategy requires a unified recycling category nationwide from February 1, 2024, to simplify recycling processes and enhance efficiency.

These initiatives by countries worldwide demonstrate a shared commitment to environmental recycling and a global resolve to reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment.