Plastic bags reemerge in Moroccan market amid criticism of enforcement failures

Plastic bags in various shapes and colors have made a noticeable return to Moroccan markets and packaging services, drawing sharp criticism from environmental activists. They accuse Moroccan authorities of “negligence and laxity” in enforcing Law 15-77, which prohibits the use and sale of plastic bags.

The Moroccan Federation of Plastics, part of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), has raised alarms about the proliferation of clandestine factories involved in plastic production and recycling.

According to the Federation, the informal plastic industry generates over two billion dirhams annually, representing 20% to 30% of the sector’s total revenue in Morocco, which encompasses approximately 660 companies.

Ayoub Krir, an environmental researcher and president of the Oxygen Association for the Environment and Health, rejected the notion that these secret factories are the sole cause of the resurgence of plastic bags. He contended that such operations could not persist without the awareness of relevant authorities.

Krir criticized the lack of enforcement, questioning the stagnation in efforts to address plastic pollution over the past four years. He warned that continued inaction could severely damage Morocco’s environment and public health.

Mohamed Benata, an environmental activist and coordinator of the Northern Morocco Environmental Coalition, criticized the government’s alternative solutions to plastic bags. He noted that a 2016 initiative by the Ministry of the Environment to promote fabric bags was limited to select cities, including Tangier, Casablanca, and Oujda, and failed to achieve nationwide implementation.

While acknowledging the importance of the initiative, Benata argued that it fell short of expectations. He advocated for providing consumers and merchants with effective alternatives, such as biodegradable plastics offered at competitive prices, supported by state incentives. Benata also highlighted the environmental hazards posed by plastic bag production, sale, and improper disposal, particularly along coastlines, waterways, and forests.

The urgency of addressing plastic pollution was underscored by a global study conducted by the University of Leeds. The study identified “uncollected waste” as a major source of plastic pollution in the Global South and warned about the dangers of uncontrolled plastic waste burning. It revealed that an alarming 52.1 million tons of plastic were discarded into the environment in 2020.

As the debate continues, environmentalists urge Moroccan authorities to strengthen enforcement of existing laws and explore viable alternatives to mitigate the growing issue of plastic pollution.