Survey on the "Zero Mika" Law — Plastic Bag Usage in Morocco

On July 1, 2016, Morocco adopted Law 77-15, commonly known as 'Zero Mika' (zero plastic bags in Darija), banning the manufacture, import, sale and distribution of plastic bags on national territory. Two years after its implementation, Zero Zbel conducted a field survey to measure its real impact.

The survey was conducted in 3 cities — Casablanca, Tetouan and Agadir — across 8 markets, over 5 field days, with 24 volunteers. In total, 235 people were surveyed: 60% market merchants and 40% customers. The questionnaire was administered via an online form in the field.

Results revealed a striking paradox: 90% of customers and 100% of merchants know about Law 77-15, and 59% consider that plastic bags have a strong impact on the environment and health. Yet plastic bags are still massively used.

49% of respondents consider that plastic bag consumption has stayed the same (41%) or increased (8%) since the law. 60% of merchants state that over 80% of their customers demand plastic bags. 65% of customers report using 5 to 15 plastic bags each time they shop.

Alternative usage remains limited: 26.1% of customers 'never' use alternatives, and 40.1% only 'rarely'. 80% of merchants report that even customers who bring a basket (qoffa) also wrap their purchases in plastic bags.

Key barriers identified include: alternatives perceived as too expensive, consumers' refusal to change habits, alternatives seen as impractical, and above all the free distribution of plastic bags (68% of customers). 82% of customers feel that suitable alternatives are lacking, especially for wet products (fish cited by 80%, meat by 65%).

88% of merchants note that plastic bag prices have increased since the law, but bags are still distributed free to customers — merchants absorb the extra cost. Merchants find themselves 'between a rock and a hard place': customers demand bags, while authorities penalize distribution.

The survey's conclusions are clear: despite awareness of the law and environmental consciousness, plastic bags remain omnipresent. The law alone is not enough — the problem must be addressed upstream, accessible and affordable alternatives developed, and controls on clandestine production strengthened.