The Arab Office for Youth and Environment (AOYE) welcomes Prime Minister’s Decree No. 662 of 2025, which mandates the application of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on plastic shopping bags. The organization considers this decision a significant step toward reducing plastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability in Egypt.

The association has long supported national efforts to combat plastic pollution and has launched the pioneering “No to Single-Use Plastic” Initiative. This unprecedented campaign has been implemented across various governorates to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic and reduce its reliance in daily life.

The AOYE has also actively engaged in numerous regional and international initiatives aimed at mitigating the risks of plastic waste pollution. Its efforts have earned several international accolades, including the “Plastic Pollution Champion” Award for the Mediterranean Region in 2024.

The association affirms that the implementation of EPR for plastic shopping bags builds upon these ongoing efforts, in which civil society organizations have worked alongside government bodies and executive agencies. By requiring companies to bear the cost of the safe disposal of plastic bags, this regulation incentivizes a transition toward environmentally friendly alternatives.

Moreover, the association stresses the importance of enhancing public awareness of the hazards posed by non-biodegradable plastics and encourages both businesses and consumers to adopt responsible environmental practices. It also emphasizes the necessity of directing the financial revenues from this regulation toward supporting recycling initiatives and expanding the use of sustainable materials.

The Arab Office for Youth and Environment calls upon all relevant stakeholders—including government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector—to collaborate in achieving the intended objectives of this decision, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations.

Dr. Emad Adly
Chairman, Arab Office for Youth and Environment
Cairo, March 2025