He added that in the current difficult economic situation, the ban must be introduced in a way that does not endanger jobs.

The new date was set after talks between Minister of Innovation and Technology László Palkovics, key players in the sector and the MPs of the constituencies concerned, Gulyás said, adding that the ban would affect plastic products above a thickness of 15 microns.

Hungary’s ban will be even stricter than what is prescribed by the European Union, he said, noting that the EU directive mandates a ban on plastics above 50 microns.

The government will make 10 billion forints (EUR 29m) available to the sector to smooth the way for the change in technologies.