When John Wesley Hyatt discovered the first practical artificial plastic in 1869, the American Inventor might not have anticipated that his revolutionary invention would later place a strain on the environment.
Hyatt's intention in his invention was to create a synthetic substitute for ivory to manufacture billiard balls. As natural ivory sources became limited, the demand for ivory led to the increased killing of elephants and tortoises.
In 1907, Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first completely synthetic plastic composed entirely of artificial molecules. Bakelite is known for its heat resistance and durability, making it an excellent insulator.
These were just the beginning! While Hyatt and Baekeland initially sought plastics with specific properties, they eventually entered an era of exploring new materials for their intrinsic value. Its durability, versatility, and low production cost became a solution for industries ranging from packaging to automotive manufacturing. Chemical companies invested substantial resources in the development of innovative polymers.
Since 1950, the production and use of plastics have increased 230-fold. However, this trend poses significant environmental and health risks, particularly for plastics designed for short-term applications.
Reports indicate that 31per cent of plastics produced are used for packaging—often single-use and with an average lifespan of six months—which significantly contributes to waste generation and can easily end up in the environment.
Heads of State, ministers of the Environment, and representatives from other UN Member States endorsed a historic resolution at the UN Environment Assembly to develop a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution by 2024.
The Sultanate of Oman is one of the nations participating in negotiations for a global treaty aimed at combating plastic pollution. The goal is to establish legally binding regulations to address this issue on a global scale.
Significantly, in response to global efforts to combat plastic pollution, Oman has initiated the third phase of its plastic bag ban, which took effect on July 1, 2025. The goal of this initiative is to eliminate this pervasive issue by mid-2027.
While the first phase of the ban was implemented on July 1, 2024, targeting the use of single-use plastic bags in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics, the second phase, which commenced in January 2025, will focus on textile shops, tailoring services, eyewear retailers, mobile phone stores, watch outlets, and furniture stores.
Oman has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to combating environmental degradation and has demonstrated regional leadership in marine protection. The latest phase of this initiative has broadened the ban to encompass food stores, fruit and vegetable vendors, bakeries, confectionery shops, and gift shops.
The initiative aims to combat plastic pollution, protect terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and promote the use of eco-friendly alternatives, such as fabric and paper bags. It aligns with Oman’s international commitments under the Stockholm and Basel Conventions.
The Environment Authority, responsible for enforcing the ban, has clearly articulated its intentions. During the launch of the third phase, it stated, “Even a single plastic bag can cause lasting harm, profoundly impacting marine life and our environment for decades.”
Plastic bags, frequently mistaken for food by marine animals such as turtles, whales, and fish, have caused fatalities due to ingestion and entanglement. “Your simple decision to use sustainable alternatives makes a significant difference,” adds the statement from the Authority.
But let me conclude that organisations like the Environment Authority undeniably have a disproportionate impact on the plastic crisis and a greater capacity to implement systemic change. However, the path to a plastic-free world is a collective journey, with both institutions and individuals holding critical pieces of the puzzle.
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