Environmental advocates have hailed the recent High Court ruling upholding Malawi’s ban on thin plastics, describing it as a major victory in the fight against plastic pollution.
Experts have praised the decision as a crucial step toward preserving ecosystems and mitigating the harmful effects of plastic waste.
Julius Ng’oma, National Coordinator for the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC), welcomed the verdict as a milestone in Malawi’s environmental protection efforts.
“It has been a long and difficult battle, but this ruling affirms the government’s commitment to protecting Malawians from the harmful effects of plastic pollution. We commend the judiciary and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change for remaining steadfast in upholding the ban,” he said.
Ng’oma stressed that this ruling is not just a victory for environmentalists but for every Malawian.
Despite the victory, Ng’oma emphasized the need for stringent enforcement, calling on regulatory authorities to take immediate action against any company that attempts to defy the ruling.
“We have seen instances in the past where enforcement was relaxed, allowing some manufacturers to continue producing thin plastics. This must not happen again. The government must move quickly to ensure full compliance with the ban,” he urged.
Charles Mkoka, Executive Director of the Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE), spoke of the long-standing impact of thin plastics on Malawi’s ecosystems and public health.
Mkoka told Nthanda Times that plastic pollution has become one of Malawi’s most pressing environmental challenges, with waste accumulating in urban centers and rural areas alike.
“When plastics break down, they release toxic chemicals into the soil and water, affecting both human health and biodiversity. In aquatic ecosystems, fish and other marine life ingest microplastics, which eventually find their way into our food chain. This is a public health concern that should not be taken lightly,” he explained.
Mkoka also highlighted the need for coordinated enforcement efforts involving Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), the Malawi Police Service, the Malawi Bureau of Standards, and local government authorities to monitor and curb the importation and distribution of thin plastics.
“MEPA must work hand in hand with the Malawi Police, Malawi Bureau of Standards, and other agencies to ensure compliance. This is not just about policy—it is about practical enforcement,” Mkoka said, adding that businesses should take the lead in transitioning to sustainable packaging.
Both experts agreed that long-term change will require a shift in public attitudes toward plastic use.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Howard Pemba, the court discharged permission for judicial review and lifted the injunction that had temporarily halted the enforcement of the 2015 Environmental Management (Plastics) Regulations (EMR2015).
The case was filed by 11 plastic manufacturing companies, including City Plastics Industry, Flexo Pack Ltd, and Jagot Plastics Limited, against the Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change and the Attorney General.