Kazakh MP pushes for plastic free online marketplaces

Kazakh MP pushes for plastic-free online marketplaces / Photo: Shutterstock, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

A member of Kazakhstan’s lower house of Parliament, Abutalip Mutali, has raised concerns about the environmental impact of packaging used by large online marketplaces. He outlined the issue in a parliamentary inquiry addressed to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

Read also: E-commerce marketplaces begin to phase out sellers.

Mutali said the growing volume of deliveries has led to increased use of non-eco-friendly materials, creating additional strain on the environment.

Rising waste and emissions

According to the lawmaker, large amounts of plastic, film and cardboard used in packaging are often discarded immediately after delivery, contributing to rising household waste and putting added pressure on landfills.

«Secondly, delivery requires a significant amount of transportation. According to global data, freight transport accounts for approximately 24% of carbon dioxide emissions,» Mutali said.

He added that Kazakhstan generates between 4.5 million and 5 million tons of municipal waste annually, with only about 28% being recycled.

Proposed measures

Mutali proposed several steps to address the issue:

Reduce reliance on single-use packaging and expand the use of eco-friendly, reusable alternatives. Require major marketplaces to collect and recycle packaging materials. Launch pilot programs in major cities to support the return and reuse of containers and packaging. Invest in the development of waste sorting and recycling infrastructure.