The government will ban the import of non-biodegradable single-use plastic plates, plastic cups and disposable styrofoam food trays after banning the import of throw-away knives, forks and spoons, from the beginning of next year, with the catering industry generally expressing support.
The ban was published in the Official Gazette (BO) yesterday.
The Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) said in a statement yesterday that it will hold a number of briefing sessions in the future to further explain the measures to the food & beverage industry.
The local government has banned the import of disposable styrofoam meal boxes, bowls, cups and plates since January 1, 2021, while the import of non-biodegradable single-use plastic drinking straws and drink stirrers has been banned since January 1, 2022.
A female manager of a takeaway in Travessa da Sé said that she supported the government’s measures to promote environmental protection, but when asked if she was worried about the increased costs, she said, “If this material increases our production costs, it is not a factor that we can control, unless the government intends to support us because of policy changes.”
“Our business logic is very direct, that if the loss of the off-season can be made up by the profit of the peak season, we can continue to operate, and vice versa,” she said, adding: “Just like other production factors, the procurement of materials depends on what is provided by suppliers, buyers are rather passive in the whole process.”
Macau Medium and Small Enterprises Solidarity Alliance President Ip Sio Man said that the measures would have a short-term impact on the trade and increase costs, but the plastic ban was an environmental trend and he hoped that the government would step up publicity and allow the trade to use up the remaining cups, plates and trays for a period of time after the measures come into effect next year.
Ip added that there were other materials in the market that could replace non-biodegradable single-use plastic tableware, and the trade would gradually switch to other environmentally-friendly tableware for the public to choose from.
The chairman of Green Future, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), Un Ka Hou, said that he also agreed with the government’s measures and hoped that a more detailed timetable for the plastic ban would be drawn up as soon as possible to let the public know.
Un said he considered it necessary to step up efforts to promote environmental awareness among the public and reduce plastic products and household waste.
The owner and an employee of a takeaway on Travessa da Sé, popularly known as “Snack Street” wait for clients yesterday. – Photo by Ginnie Liang
