Abu Dhabi To Ban Single-Use Styrofoam Products

Abu Dhabi is preparing to ban single-use Styrofoam products. The latest move is part of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s (EAD) Single-Use Plastic Policy, which was introduced in 2020. The ban, which will take effect from June 1, is applicable to a series of Styrofoam products, including cups, lids, plates, and beverage containers (including their caps and lids) made of expanded polystyrene. 

With this move, the emirate is targeting avoidable, single-use consumer products. Styrofoam is a type of plastic called expanded polystyrene. Additionally, food container receptacles for products that are intended for immediate consumption will also be prohibited. Products that will not be subject to the prohibition include big storage boxes, coolers, and trays used for meat, fruit, ready-made dairy products, and other food items for retail sale. Meanwhile, other products designed for medical uses are also exempt from the prohibition. 

"This move will help reduce litter in the environment as Styrofoam in particular breaks easily into microplastics that can enter the food chain and be harmful to human health as well as affect biodiversity," said Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. From June 1, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) will carry out field inspection campaigns at industrial establishments and sales outlets to verify that the prohibition is being followed.