Thin plastics float lazily in the cool breeze drifting across shopfronts at Manje Trading Centre, a densely populated area on the southeastern outskirts of Blantyre City.

Several traders and buyers go about their business, either unaware or indifferent to the ban on these carrier bags, which has been confirmed by a High Court verdict after a lengthy battle.

The government is pushing forward with regulations banning single-use plastics, but many consumers remain confused about the restrictions.

“I had no idea there was a ban. I still see plastic bags being handed out at checkouts, so I assumed they were still fine to use,” says shopper Mercy Msokera.

She admits to hearing about efforts to remove thin plastics from Malawi’s markets but not that the ban has been enforced.

Mercy has used these plastics for years and believes that getting the majority to abandon them will require more information being made available.

“Authorities and those enforcing the ban need to put up signs in marketplaces and spend more time on the radio spreading the message,” she says, stuffing vegetables into a thin plastic bag.

When asked if she is willing to stop using them now that she is aware of the latest developments, she reluctantly agrees, provided alternatives are available.

She is not alone.

Even small business owners are struggling to keep up with the changing regulations.

“As you can see, all shops are still handing out purchases in thin plastics,” says a shop owner at Manje.

He sells everything from flour and legumes to groceries, dairy products and carbonated drinks, all of which he typically hands to customers in small plastic bags.

He orders these plastics from various wholesalers in Limbe Business Centre, which he reveals is still full of bulk sellers.

According to the regulations, which ban plastics under 60 microns, manufacturers, sellers and users are all affected.

“Of course, we all have a part to play, but I think it should start with the big manufacturers stopping production. That way, the plastics will reach trading centres and will end up in people’s homes,” says the businessman.

Despite the ban, many small vendors continue to offer thin plastics, claiming they are unaware of the development or have no alternatives, as wholesalers still supply the bags.

Shop owner Moses Ndimbwa says he is open to alternatives if they become more accessible.

“If there were alternatives that were affordable and as convenient as these plastics, I would definitely stop using them,” he says.

Other vendors share Ndimbwa’s views, acknowledging the environmental concerns but hesitating to stop using thin plastics without viable replacements.

Recently, during an inspection by officials from the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (