- Oceana celebrates the decision of the Congress that adds Peru to the world fight against plastic pollution.
- Disposable plastics make up more than half of the marine litter collected in beach cleaning in recent years.
The marine conservation organization Oceana celebrated the approval of the ‘Plastics Law’ for single use by the Congress of the Republic, which regulates the consumption and production of disposable products such as plastic bags, sorbets, technopor containers, household items. plastics, the main source of contamination by this material.
“It is excellent news for all Peruvians, there is scientific evidence on the harmful impacts of plastics on the environment and health risks. This rule will allow us to move towards a circular economy of plastic with an emphasis on reducing consumption, followed by reuse and recycling,” said Carmen Heck, Director of Policies for Oceana Peru.
After almost a year of debate, Peru joins the global fight against contamination by single-use plastics that make up 40% of the plastic manufactured in the world.
“The country will have a public policy that supports the initiatives and measures adopted by local governments, the Executive, universities and companies,” he adds.
The law establishes terms that vary between 1 to 3 years to restrict the manufacture for domestic consumption, import, distribution, delivery, marketing and use of disposable plastics. There is also a tax on the delivery of plastic bags and the obligation to use 15% of recycled material in PET bottles for drinks, personal hygiene and the like.
In addition, it is established that in 4 months the entry of these materials in vulnerable environments such as beaches and Natural Protected Areas are prohibited.
“The regulation is not only aimed at consumers but also at the industry that needs to migrate towards eco-efficiency, with less polluting materials and designs that reduce the amount of plastic they use in their packaging, promote reuse and facilitate their revaluation,” he points out. Heck.
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 225 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.