Monaco Bans Plastic Bags

Starting from January 2016, plastic bags will be gradually phased across the principality of Monaco. As a keen environmentalist Prince Albert II is backing plans for a range of eco-friendly measures set to be introduced by 2019.

Some outlets in the Principality have already taken the initiative and have started the ban already, only selling reusable bags to customers. Next year there will be the requirement for supermarkets to provide only biodegradable paper bags for products such as fruit and vegetables. France has also declared a ban on single use plastic bags from January 2016, and from January 2017 he ban will then be extended to single use plastic bags used to carry bread, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.

In a statement made by Prince Albert back in March, he said “To tackle the plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, we need to acknowledge a collective responsibility. But everyone can take action at their own level."

By 2019 it will become mandatory for items such as fruit, vegetables and confectionery to be packaged in recycled biodegradable paper bags. In 2020, the distribution and sale of disposable ‘picnic’ items – plastic plates, cutlery etc. – will also be banned.