MAN warns against ban on single-use plastic

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned against the proposed nationwide ban on single-use plastics, saying it will “undoubtedly impact the operational landscape for businesses across diverse sectors.”

Daily Trust reports that Lagos and Oyo states early this year banned single-use plastics, including Styrofoam, in order to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and promote more sustainable practices.

Also, in June, the federal government announced that it was banning single-use plastics across all its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The development appears setting a tone for the nationwide ban of single-use plastics.

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In a statement made available to Daily Trust on Tuesday, MAN pointed out immediate and long-term economic implications of the nationwide ban, including job losses.

The statement reads in part: “The implementation of a single-use plastics ban is likely to result in job losses within industries heavily reliant on the production and distribution of these products.

“Workers employed in the manufacturing, packaging, and sales of single-use plastics face the risk of unemployment as companies adapt to the new regulatory landscape. Factories unable to transition to alternative materials or absorb the associated costs may be forced to cease operations, leading to job losses and economic disruptions in affected regions.

“Small and Medium Scale Enterprises within the plastics industry are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the ban. These businesses often have limited resources to invest in new technologies or retool their operations.

“Consequently, they may face significant challenges in adapting to the new regulatory environment. The closure of SMEs can have far-reaching consequences for local economies, as they contribute to job creation, tax revenue and supply chain stability.”

The association, therefore, called on the federal government to adopt a comprehensive and strategic approach to achieve a successful transition.

MAN asked the government to establish a robust recycling infrastructure, incentivise participation and invest in research and development in order to create innovative and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.