Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) is set to become the second container carrier to stop accepting waste plastics as cargo, following a similar decision by CMA CGM in 2022.
In a circular issued on 15 September, the Dubai-headquartered shipping line announced that it would discontinue the acceptance of waste plastics from 1 October. ESL said the initiative reflects “our dedication to safeguarding marine ecosystems and preserving biodiversity”.
Plastic waste is classified under HS Code 3915.
ESL’s decision places the carrier alongside CMA CGM as the only two container shipping companies to have taken a formal position against the transport of plastic waste.
The move follows continued pressure from the Basel Action Network (BAN), a charitable organisation focused on ending the international trade in toxic waste. BAN has been urging ESL and other members of the World Shipping Council to stop carrying plastic waste.
“We believe the decision to ban the carriage of plastic waste is the right step forward and reflects our focus on responsible and compliant shipping practices. We appreciate the advocacy and collaboration of organizations such as the Basel Action Network in helping drive meaningful progress across the industry,” said Michael Davies, COO and Regional Managing Director for Middle East, ESL.
According to BAN, hundreds of tonnes of plastic waste are shipped every day from developed to developing countries. While these shipments are often presented as being destined for recycling, the organisation says the material is in reality frequently burned, dumped or processed in unsafe conditions.
BAN welcomed ESL’s announcement as another step toward reducing the export of plastic waste to developing countries.
“ESL’s decision marks another major milestone in the fight to end the export of harmful plastic waste to developing countries,” said Christopher Hudak, Senior Policy Advisor at BAN.
Hudak added that ESL and CMA CGM were demonstrating that shipping companies could take action on the issue while continuing to thrive. BAN is now calling on every other member of the World Shipping Council to follow their example.
