Egypt to set up its first eco-friendly bags factory

Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad said Egypt has signed an agreement with the US to establish the first factory for eco-friendly bags in addition to a factory for manufacturing bags from eggshells.

She said the state seeks to secure biodegradable plastic bags, expounding that the currently used plastic bags take about 400 years to decompose, thus causing grave harm to the environment.

She noted that the state has taken several measures to curb plastic use, including enacting a law warning of using plastic bags more than one time.

She made the remarks during a phone call with a program of Channel 1 late Wednesday.

Meanwhile, she noted that Sharm El Sheikh – which will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in November – will turn into a green city soon.

She said Egypt is expanding the use of new and renewable energy in addition to establishing waste recycling factories and desalinating sea water within the framework of ongoing efforts to protect the environment.

She said Egypt plans to cut carbon emissions in 2030 by 33 percent in the electricity sector, 65 percent in the petroleum sector and 7 percent in the transportation sector.

During the COP27, Egypt will unveil its plans for protecting the environment, she said, noting that the state is taking several measures to pave the ground in this respect.

She added that Egypt has spearheaded several projects for protecting the environment.

She noted  that the state has launched media campaigns to sensitize people to the concept of climate change in addition to holding an environmental national dialogue on climate change.

She also referred to the state’s plans for addressing climate change and curb carbon emissions.

She noted that meetings are held continuously to ensure perfect preparations for the COP27, stressing that all parties seeks to realize a leap in climate action.