Global Trends in Plastic Bag Regulations – 91 Countries and Territories with Full or Partial Bans

Globally, 91 countries and territories have banned plastic bags in whole or in part. Africa has been particularly active in this area, while Europe has mostly opted for fees or taxes to reduce the use of plastic bags. However, the trend in Europe is shifting towards bans, particularly for smaller, thinner bags that are more likely to pollute and are less likely to be reused.

Developing countries often prefer outright bans on certain types of plastic bags due to serious plastic waste management issues. Africa, which does not have a strong plastic producer lobby, has led the way in banning plastic bags. Notable exceptions include France, Italy, and Germany (from 2022), which have banned some thin plastic bags, replacing them with compostable alternatives.

In 2021 and 2022, the EU introduced bans on single-use plastic items such as stirrers, straws, plates and cutlery, but polymer bags were not included in the directive. Some EU member states have independently banned lightweight plastic bags (between 15 and 50 micrometers thick). A new EU regulation passed in March aims to ban very thin bags (less than 15 micrometers) often used for packaging loose products, as well as miniature toiletries, spice sachets and shrink wrap for suitcases.

The scope and enforcement of plastic bag bans vary around the world. Some countries have banned all non-compostable plastic bags, while others allow more durable, reusable bags for a fee. Additional measures could include restrictions on the production or import of plastic bags or various forms of taxation.

China banned thin plastic bags in 2008 and introduced fees for the more durable ones, extending a complete ban on non-compostable bags in major cities by the end of 2020 and nationwide by 2022. Markets will comply by 2025. India, after delaying an initial ban due to the Covid-19 pandemic, imposed a ban on several single-use plastic items, including thin bags, in 2022.

The United States does not have a nationwide ban or fee on plastic bags, although several states, including California, Oregon, Washington, New York, and Colorado, have passed such laws. Many cities and towns have also banned plastic bags, often combining the ban with a fee on paper bags. In Australia, all states have implemented some form of plastic bag ban.

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