The Plastics Law, which entered into force in February 2022 in Chile, has marked an important milestone in the fight against environmental pollution caused by the excessive use of single-use plastic materials. This law established a ban on the delivery of plastic and plumavit utensils in commerce, since these materials take years to degrade and represent a serious threat to the environment.
However, the law also contemplated that additional changes would be implemented gradually to continue reducing the plastic footprint in the country. Starting in August 2023, the first of these new measureswhich will affect the owners of commercial premises and warehouses.
The new regulations establish that stores will be obliged to sell drinks in a returnable format, just as supermarkets already do. In addition, they must receive returnable containers delivered by customers. This extent seeks to promote the responsible use of packaging and encourage reuse, thus reducing the generation of plastic waste.
Besides, the Plastics Law prohibits the delivery of expanded polystyrene, popularly known as plumavit, as well as light bulbs, stirrers, cutlery (knives, forks and spoons) and plastic chopsticks in commerce. These measures seek to eliminate single-use plastics that are unnecessary and that contribute significantly to environmental pollution.
It is important that businesses and commercial premises are well informed about these new regulations and adhere to them to avoid fines. Those who do not comply with the standards established in the Plastics Laware exposed to fines ranging from 1 to 20 Monthly Tax Units (UTM), which is equivalent to amounts ranging between $63,199 and $1,264,000.
