LAW TO LIMIT PLASTIC BAGS’ USE MOOTED

ISO 17088:2008 specifies procedures and requirements for the identification and labelling of plastics and products made from plastics that are suitable for recovery through aerobic composting. The four following aspects have been addressed: Biodegradation; disintegration during composting; negative effects on the composting process and facility; and negative effects on the quality of the resulting compost, including the presence of high levels of regulated metals and other harmful components.

This specification is intended to set up the requirements for the labelling of plastic products and materials as ‘compostable’ or ‘compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities” or “biodegradable during composting” (for the purposes of this International Standard, these three expressions are considered to be equivalent).

Dr Mehab bin Ali al Hinai from Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (B’eah) said there is a need for collection of plastic bags at special places and under certain conditions so that they can be converted into fertilizer.

“Also there should be an awareness drive on the need to not mix plastic bags with other waste. There will be an initiative to connect with the client companies for their support on this issue.” A representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries said the specification proposed by MOCI has taken into consideration that there will be no side effects of fertilizers from plastic products on plants and the environment.