Regulation
What does Colombia's Law 2232 of 2022 require on single-use plastics?
What Colombia's Law 2232 of 2022 establishes, which single-use plastics it removes, when it applies, and what it means for food packaging.
What the law establishes
Law 2232 of 2022, enacted on 7 July 2022, sets measures to reduce the production and consumption of certain single-use plastic products in Colombia and to replace them gradually with sustainable alternatives.
The law defines "sustainable alternatives" as reusable or biodegradable non-plastic materials, plastics biodegradable under natural environmental conditions, or products with effective recycling and an established value chain.
Which products went first
According to the Ministry of Environment, the phase-out covers 21 single-use plastic products; eight left the market on 7 July 2024.
- Checkout bags, except reusable or industrial-use bags.
- Bags for wrapping newspapers, magazines, advertising, and invoices.
- Laundry bags for washed clothing.
- Rolls of empty bags in retail spaces, with exceptions.
- Plastic stirrers and drinking straws.
- Plastic sticks for cotton swabs.
- Plastic supports for inflatable balloons.
What it means for a food business
For bakeries, restaurants, and food brands, the practical effect is reviewing the packaging portfolio and planning substitution ahead of time rather than reactively. The national goal is that by 2030 all single-use plastics placed on the market be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
When evaluating alternatives, request technical documentation: composition, coatings, food-contact suitability, and use conditions. An alternative only works if it also protects the food within the real process.
How ArtePack supports the transition
ArtePack manufactures paper and plant-fiber packaging for bakery, pastry, and foodservice: molds, papers, cupcake liners, doilies, and containers. Each reference is specified according to temperature, grease, moisture, and contact type.
This guide is informational and does not replace legal advice. For your company's specific obligations, consult the official text of the law and its current regulations.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Law 2232 ban take effect?
The first stage applies from 7 July 2024, two years after the law was enacted, covering eight single-use plastic products; the rest phase out gradually toward 2030.
How many plastic products does the law eliminate?
The law covers the elimination of 21 single-use plastic products, starting with eight in 2024.
What counts as a sustainable alternative?
Reusable or biodegradable non-plastic materials, plastics biodegradable under natural environmental conditions, or recycled products with effective recycling and an established value chain.
Does the law cover paper food packaging?
The law regulates single-use plastic products. Paper and plant-fiber packaging is used as an alternative to those plastics, as long as it meets the food-contact requirements of the application.
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