Firms Urged to Fund Cloth Bags

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Northern Municipal Council member Bassim Abu Idris has asked banks and Bahraini firms to fund reusable cloth and paper bags carrying their logos, to be handed out at malls, markets and events. He said the bags would replace plastic ones while doubling as environmental adverts, and urged government, business and civil groups to join the effort.

MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen said new curbs on single-use plastic bags followed her parliamentary proposal and reflected strong cooperation between Parliament and ministries. She linked the move to Bahrain's 2060 net-zero goal, noting reduced plastic use would cut emissions from production and disposal. She praised the Industry and Commerce Ministry for giving businesses time to adapt.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce confirmed most firms are ready for the ban on plastic bags thinner than 57 microns, effective August 20, 2026, under Ministerial Decision No. 7 of 2026. Awareness visits will continue, followed by inspections once the ban begins. Exemptions cover household waste, medical waste and export bags. Consumers are urged to switch to reusable alternatives.