EVERLEGAL is sincerely glad of these changes in Ukraine and is proud that EVERLEGAL team has contributed to this draft law aimed at improving the environmental situation and bringing Ukraine closer to European standards.
3 years ago, public organisation ReThink launched a number of initiatives related to restricting the use of plastic bags in Ukraine, as well as work on a draft law aimed at achieving this goal.
EVERLEGAL joined the work on the draft law and provided legal support to ReThink in connection with this initiative. EVERLEGAL team consisting of Partner Andriy Olenyuk and Associate Olha Horodniuk advised ReThink on compliance with Ukrainian legislation with EU environmental standards, possible liability mechanisms and assisted with drafting of the law in order to limit the use of plastic bags in Ukraine.
On June 1, 2021, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law that almost completely banned the distribution of certain types of plastic bags in Ukraine.
- The number of votes in parliament for such a draft law is close to the constitutional majority - 297 "for".
- The ban will take effect after 6 months from the date of entry into force of the law (certain provisions - after 9 months from the date of publication).
- The restrictions apply to thin, ultra-thin, and oxo-decomposable plastic bags.
- The restrictions do not apply to biodegradable plastic bags.
Abandonment of plastic bags will stimulate the use of biodegradable bags or other eco-alternatives (craft bags, fabric bags, mesh bags, eco-bags, etc.), which in turn will significantly improve the environmental situation in Ukraine!
For EVERLEGAL, this project is extremely important, because such changes in Ukraine will contribute to the achievement of Goal 12 - Responsible consumption and production, and Goal 13 - Climate action, which underlies the direction of Sustainable Development at EVERLEGAL.
Congratulations to ReThink and everyone involved in this landmark project!
EVERLEGAL - PARTNER OF THE FUTURE
