“Bilum” Papuan: alternative woven bag in organic material
Since 1 January 2016 the non-biodegradable plastic bags are banned in supermarkets in Papua New Guinea.
These ones must now to be in compliance with the law and distribute biodegradable type bags, if not they would risk to be charged with heavy fines.
A “significant” threat to biodiversity, particularly marine life
In an outreach effort aimed at the general public, the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) said that plastic bags posed a “significant” threat to biodiversity, and more especially to marine wildlife.
In terms of local policy responses, the opposition had hoped the development of alternative methods to provide an opportunity for small local producers and artisans to offer woven bags in organic material, such as the famous “bilum” Papuan.
