Maldives launches bioplastic bag facility to curb pollution
The new Hanimaadhoo plant aims to cut plastic waste and align local packaging with global food safety standards
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives has inaugurated its first bioplastic bag manufacturing center in the northern island of Hanimaadhoo, a step authorities say will help the country tackle plastic pollution and strengthen food security in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations.
The facility, developed by the Small Island Geographic Society (SIGS), was opened by Agriculture and Animal Welfare Minister Dr. Mariyam Mariya, who announced that the government will soon roll out a national packaging system designed to comply with international food-safety standards.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mariya said the initiative reflects the Maldives’ broader commitment to sustainable production and responsible waste management. “Every household contributes to the plastic burden, but every household can also be part of the solution,” she said, noting that a SIGS study found residents of Hulhumale’ alone use over three million plastic bags annually—each taking nearly two decades to decompose.
Environmental scientists have repeatedly warned that plastic debris is now entering human bodies through food, water, and air, she added, stressing that the shift toward bioplastics is not merely ecological but a public-health necessity.
Officials said the new plant’s biodegradable products will offer an affordable, locally made alternative to imported single-use plastics. Beyond waste reduction, the initiative also aims to improve packaging for domestic food producers, enhancing the export readiness of Maldivian goods while cutting reliance on foreign packaging materials.
The Hanimaadhoo project was launched in collaboration with international partners including the World Bank’s PLEASE program, the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
Analysts say the move could place the Maldives among regional pioneers in plastic-free innovation, echoing similar transitions seen in island nations such as Fiji and Seychelles. For the Maldives, where waste management remains a challenge due to limited land and high import dependence, the plant marks a small but symbolic step toward circular-economy practices.
Dr. Mariya said the government remains committed to supporting community-based green manufacturing and promoting sustainable packaging as part of its long-term development strategy. “Environmental responsibility is no longer optional for an island nation. It’s a matter of survival,” she said.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
