Non-biodegradable Plastic: Mauritius Takes a Step Back

The Cabinet has approved the temporary use of non-biodegradable plastic containers starting January 2026, sparking outrage among environmentalists who condemn this reversal.

On Friday, November 28, the Cabinet approved the use of single-use non-biodegradable cups, bowls, and trays for local food packaging. This permission, granted under certain conditions starting January 15, 2026, for one year, has caused surprise and indignation. A few weeks ago, the ministry organized a validation workshop for the National Strategy Plan. The project, titled "Development of a Roadmap for a Plastic Pollution-Free Mauritius," aims to provide Mauritius with a national framework to combat plastic and marine pollution. It also seeks to strengthen political and legal mechanisms and develop an inventory of sources of plastic production and use.

Single-use "I welcome this decision with much bitterness. I thought we were going to make progress on single-use plastic with the Environment (Control of Single Use Plastic Products) Regulations 2020. But unfortunately, this government is doing quite the opposite," says Sunil Dowarkasing, a sustainable development consultant. Very disappointed, he points out that the country has lived without plastic in recent years. "Why reintroduce it into the system today?"

The consultant wonders if the government is under pressure from the private sector or other lobbyists. For him, this decision marks a significant setback from the ban on non-biodegradable plastic adopted in 2020. Contrary to those who claim that no alternatives exist, Dowarkasing insists that countries that have banned plastic have found solutions. Bernard Cayeux, a member of MRU25, believes that the government is "the leader of change, but delayed." Despite its good intentions, it is prolonging old commitments from year to year. According to him, the government must have its reasons, which have not yet been explained. "We talk a lot, but there aren't many actions at the moment, and there hasn't been much change from what was previously stated," he highlights.

When asked to comment on the decision, Junior Minister Joanna Bérenger indicated that a statement would be issued. In the meantime, discussions are heating up online. According to a source, this decision does not stem from lobbying but from a lack of alternatives for packaging certain products and concerns related to food safety. Some foods are said to keep better in plastic than in other containers with a shorter shelf life. Local producers may not have the means to invest in other equipment and packaging. There is talk of controlled use of non-biodegradable plastic through a permit system until alternatives are found. Environmentalists do not plan to remain inactive. Sunil Dowarkasing intends to alert international organizations starting Monday to denounce this Mauritian stance. For him, this "deplorable" decision came "out of the blue" without any explanatory note. "I do not understand the need to lift the ban on using these products, especially since discussions took place a month ago to develop a roadmap for a plastic pollution-free Mauritius," he states.

Suttyhudeo Tengur, president of the Association for the Protection of the Environment and Consumers, asserts that if a decision was made to respect and protect the environment, it is in Mauritius's and the planet's interest to maintain it.

The president of Apec strongly disapproves of this decision, calling it a regression. "Our commitments to the environment will regress instead of moving forward," he emphasizes. He laments that those who approved this temporary measure have no commitment to the planet. "The people who made this decision are reversing the decisions made to protect the environment," he concludes.

During the validation workshop for the National Strategy Plan under the project "Development of a Roadmap for a Plastic Pollution-Free Mauritius," Environment Minister Rajesh Bhagwan highlighted the urgency of combating plastic pollution. According to him, it is an "environmental and health challenge." He also reminded that plastic has infiltrated all aspects of daily life - land, rivers, oceans, and food chains. He stressed the need for everyone: individuals, businesses, and organizations, to reduce plastic consumption. The minister even stated that sustainable change cannot rely solely on legislation; it must also stem from individual responsibility and collective awareness. The decision made by the Cabinet on Friday, November 28, thus seems to be in total contradiction with what the Ministry of Environment seeks to undertake. Moreover, the supervising minister has stated that the roadmap should not remain a theoretical document but become "a concrete and realistic plan to guide Mauritius towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future." According to him, the country can still reverse the effects of plastic pollution and protect future generations. Junior Minister Joanna Bérenger had reminded that small island developing states, like Mauritius, are among the most affected by plastic pollution, even though they are not large producers of plastic waste. She highlighted Mauritius's active role in international negotiations within the Alliance of Small Island States and the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, advocating for the phased elimination of problematic plastics and improved product design.