Malawi has officially banned thin plastics less than 60 microns, effective today, February 10, 2025.
This move is a collaboration between the Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change.
The ban comes after the High Court dismissed a judicial review on thin plastics, citing abuse of the court process on January 31, 2025.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Yusuf Mkungula, announced at a press briefing that the production, distribution, importation and sale of thin plastics is illegal and violators will face legal consequences.
MEPA Director General, Wilfred Kadewa, stressed that the authority is working with stakeholders to raise awareness about the dangers of thin plastics to the environment.
Kadewa also encouraged the public to use environmentally friendly plastics, saying that non-compliance might result into fines and facility closures.
This ban is not new, as Malawi first introduced it in 2015 to combat environmental pollution, however, manufacturers challenged the policy in court, delaying its implementation.
By Margaret Mapando
