Law banning single-use plastics. What’s next after its approval?

Since 2018, Colombia has been working on the consolidation of a bill that aims to ban single-use plastics by 2030, an initiative that is already positioned in several countries and aims to stop the manufacture, marketing and distribution of this type of materials.

In June of this year, Law 2232 was approved and lists 14 banned products, in addition to 10 exceptions and 2 sustainable alternatives.

During all these years, part of our mission at Plastilene Group has been to actively participate in the discussion of draft laws in order to have responsible legislation on plastics and to ensure that all actors in the chain take responsibility for their part in circular economy.

We always prioritize technical support to arguing the viability of the use of these materials, evaluating the environmental impacts of substitutes and promoting the closing of the plastic cycle as a solution, for example, to climate change.

It is satisfying to know that many of our contributions during the construction of this law were taken into account and we know that this is just the beginning.

Regulation challenges and law implementation

While the regulation begins to take effect on July 8, 2022, the bans must be implemented in periods ranging from 6 months to 8 years. During this time, all members of the value chain (entrepreneurs, unions, recyclers and government) will have to organize and align our strategies to move forward into compliance.

Therefore, the next step is finding the answers to a series of questions and establishing a work agenda that will allow us to work on what has been built. For example: Who will be in charge of conducting and verifying the life cycle analysis of products? Who will certify products made from recycled plastic? Who will regulate biodegradable products? How will consumers be informed that a product is exempt? How can greenwashing be avoided?

We have been working on many, if not all, of these issues in the industry and we have made significant progress in the use of life cycle analysis tools, eco-design seals, recycled content seals, sustainable products and circular economy schemes.

We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, especially in terms of our relationship with the governmental entities that will be in charge of regulating what is described in the law. The road ahead will be challenging and we are confident that the implementation of the law will not hinder the achievements already made by industry, but will strengthen sensitive points such as, for example, citizen education regarding correct plastic waste disposal.