How Rwanda is driving the transition from plastic to sustainable packaging

Two decades ago, plastic litter could be found almost everywhere across Rwanda. Drainage systems were clogged, wetlands were polluted, and plastic waste posed a growing risk to public health and the environment. Once in the environment, plastic takes hundreds of years to break down, releasing toxic chemicals that affect ecosystems and human health. In response, the Government of Rwanda took a bold decision in 2008 to completely ban the use of plastic bags. Building on the success of this decision implementation, the Government went further and banned all single-use plastic items in 2019, including bags, straws, cutlery, bottles, and other disposable materials, aiming to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment. This policy is not only about keeping Rwanda clean; it is about protecting ecosystems, safeguarding public health, and building a resilient green economy by promoting eco-friendly packaging alternatives across all sectors. The ban also aligns with Rwanda’s broader environmental vision, including its Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (GGCRS), National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) climate change adaptation goals, and sustainable urban development. By promoting alternatives such as paper, cardboard, home compostable materials, cloth, and other reusable packaging, Rwanda is advancing a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all. For entrepreneurs, shifting from plastic to eco-friendly packaging is both a responsibility and an opportunity. Environmentally responsible packaging enhances brand reputation and customer trust, responds to growing consumer demand for sustainable products, reduces environmental harm and supports national environmental goals. It also opens access to green markets and new partnerships, and positions businesses for long-term sustainability and regulatory compliance among many other benefits, especially with global trading partners. “Eco-friendly packaging is no longer a trend. It is a business necessity in a world that increasingly values sustainability,” said Juliet Kabera, Director General, Rwanda Environment Management Authority. Special authorisation where no alternatives exist The Government of Rwanda also recognises that, in some specific cases, suitable alternatives to plastic packaging may not yet be available. In such circumstances, entrepreneurs may apply for special authorisation to import plastic packaging. This process is done through REMA’s online licensing system, accessible at licesensing.rema.gov.rw. This controlled approach ensures that plastic use is limited, justified, and monitored while the country continues to expand access to sustainable alternatives. To further support businesses and reduce reliance on imports, REMA calls on the private sector to invest in the local production of eco-friendly packaging materials. “Investing in this sector is both an environmental and economic opportunity. Local manufacturing will reduce costs for entrepreneurs, increase access to sustainable packaging, create green jobs, strengthen Rwanda’s circular economy, and accelerate our transition away from plastic,” Kabera stated. REMA encourages all business owners whose products have alternative packaging options to shift from plastic to eco-friendly packaging. This collective action will accelerate Rwanda’s environmental goals and reinforce the country’s reputation as a clean, green, and sustainable nation. Protection beyond addressing plastic pollution Beyond plastic pollution, Rwanda—through REMA—is also actively combating other hazardous pollutants, including mercury and persistent toxic substances that threaten ecosystems and human health. Through the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury, Rwanda is strengthening regulations, monitoring emissions, raising public awareness, and promoting safer alternatives to harmful chemicals. These efforts are part of a broader national commitment to ensuring a safe, healthy, and pollution-free environment for all Rwandans.

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How Rwanda is driving the transition from plastic to sustainable packaging