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Armenian Minster of Environment Erik Grigoryan is proposing a ban on single-use plastic bags in the country from January 1, 2022.

Addressing lawmakers on Wednesday, Grigoryan said the bill drafted by his ministry would ban the use of plastic bags of up to 50 microns in thickness, except bags made from secondary raw materials and those used for wrapping at shopping centers.

“The draft law has been discussed with 44 plastic bags manufacturers and wholesalers. Reusable bags are already quite common now, so we propose banning polyethylene bags. By 2022 plastic bag manufacturers will be able to retrofit and gain a new position in the market,” the minister said.

In response to a question by My Step lawmaker Gevorg Papoyan whether the new measure would ban all types of plastic bags and what 50 microns of thickness refers to, Grigoryan said all bags currently sold at retail chains and supermarkets have thickness below 50 microns, while the draft law mainly bans single-use plastics.

"Moreover, 120 countries will somehow ban single-use plastics, since many animals, birds and fish are said to be affected by plastic pollution. In the next phase, we will address the issue of plastic bottles, and I have submitted a writ to the parliament speaker to replace plastic water bottles with glass bottles if possible,” Grigoryan said.