Global Plastic Policy Reviews

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When referring to any of the results of our analysis and/or its concept and design, please cite us accordingly:
Global Plastics Policy Centre (2022) March A., Salam, S., Evans, T., Hilton, J., Fletcher, S. (editors). Global Plastics Policy Review. Revolution Plastics Institute, University of Portsmouth.

Bangladesh Amendment to the 1995 Environment Conservation Act

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Contribution to reducing plastic pollution:
Effectiveness of meeting own objectives:
Strength of evidence: Moderate Available Evidence
Reviewed under framework: Yes

Key Findings

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This is the world’s first prohibition of single use plastic bags. It was implemented after deadly floods in 1988 where plastic bags were found to be blocking waterways and drainage systems. Campaigning against the singe use plastic bags began in the early 1990s by environmental NGOs and were later taken up by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change who enacted the legislation. The government imposed a strict ban on the manufacture, import, marketing, sale, demonstration, stock, distribution, commercial carriage, and commercial use of all kinds of polythene shopping bags, including polyethylene (PET) and polypropylene (PP) bags.

There were strict penalties for the production, import, and marketing of plastic bags as well as for the sale, storing, distribution, transportation, or use for commercial purposes. Initially, the government was able to claim success due to strict enforcement of the law, but in 2008 a new government came into power and the enforcement efforts were stopped.  Whilst initially there was a reduction in plastic bags, they have become widespread again.

(Reviewed in Jan 2022)

Year:

  • 2002

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Voluntary or legally binding:

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We are confident in our research, however, not all evidence is made publicly available which may affect the outcome of the reviews. Let us know if you have research or evidence that can contribute to our analysis, or a policy you think would be valuable to review!

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Our methods

Through an analytical framework, we've reviewed over 100 plastic policies. These reviews determine the effectiveness of policies in reducing plastic pollution and we offer recommendations in light of this evidence, to enhance future policy making. You can find out more about our methods on our methods page.

Methods

Guidance

In light of our findings, we've created targeted guidance for Policy Makers, Citizens and Businesses.

Think we've missed something?

We are confident in our research, however, not all evidence is made publicly available which may affect the outcome of the reviews. Let us know if you have research or evidence that can contribute to our analysis, or a policy you think would be valuable to review!

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