MAN worries about impact of proposed ban on single-use plastic on industries, livelihoods

• Urges FG to alleviate disruptions, adopt sustainable alternatives

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed worries that the proposed nationwide ban on single-use plastics will undoubtedly impact the operational landscape for businesses across diverse sectors.

According to a statement issued by the DG MAN, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni the manufacturers will have their production processes, supply chains, and consumer behaviours significantly altered and this will precipitate significant investments in research and development to identify, develop, and implement viable alternatives to single-use plastics as well as explore eco-friendly materials, redesign packaging formats, and potentially invest in new manufacturing equipment,

Ajayi-Kadir highlighted that supply chains will also undergo a transformation as companies seek out new suppliers of sustainable materials, explore opportunities for recycling and reuse, and build relationships with waste management facilities.

DG MAN statement read, partly: “Manufacturers will be compelled to reconfigure their production processes to align with the new regulatory landscape. This transition will involve substantial investments in research and development to identify and adopt suitable alternative materials. Acquiring new machinery and equipment, as well as modifying existing infrastructure, will be essential to accommodate the production of these alternative products.

“Moreover, the shift towards sustainable materials will disrupt established supply chains. Companies will need to establish new partnerships with suppliers of alternative raw materials, potentially leading to increased costs and logistical challenges.

“Ensuring the consistent availability of these materials may also pose difficulties, particularly in the initial stages of the transition.”

The group explained that the number of businesses that would be affected by the single-use plastics ban will be determined by the scope of the policy; sectors such as packaging, consumer goods, food and beverage, and healthcare are expected to experience significant disruptions, while Small and Medium Scale Enterprises within the manufacturing sector are particularly vulnerable due to their limited resources and capacity to adapt to rapid regulatory changes.

Beyond these primary sectors, he said the ban will have ripple effects on other industries for instance, the logistics and transportation sectors may face challenges in handling and transporting alternative packaging materials, while the waste management industry will experience changes in waste composition and recycling processes, the retail sector will need to modify product offerings and packaging to comply with the ban.

According to the Association, the transition to alternative materials has substantial financial implications as businesses will incur significant costs for new technology, employees training, and potentially higher-priced raw materials.

“Redesigning products to comply with the new regulations is a time-consuming and costly endeavour. Moreover, navigating the complex legal and administrative landscape associated with the ban can add to operational burdens. Non-compliance also carries the risk of substantial penalties, further exacerbating financial challenges,” the statement read.

DG MAN noted that 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 group added.

MAN highlighted that the shift away from single-use plastics would necessitate the exploration and adoption of sustainable alternatives, stressing that bio-based plastics, derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, offer a promising avenue as these materials decompose more rapidly and have a reduced environmental impact compared to traditional plastics.

He maintained that a parallel strategy which involves promoting reusable products, such as “Cloth bags, metal straws, and glass containers can effectively replace many single-use plastic items, while paper-based alternatives may seem like a viable option, because it is essential to consider their environmental impact, including deforestation and water consumption.

“Compostable materials, capable of breaking down into harmless components, present another potential solution, but their effectiveness is contingent on proper disposal and composting infrastructure.

“The transition to these alternatives will require significant investment in research and development, as well as changes in consumer behaviour,” the group said.

According to DG MAN, education and awareness campaigns will be crucial in promoting the benefits of sustainable materials and encouraging consumers to adopt new habits.

“Governments can play a vital role by providing incentives for businesses to invest in sustainable packaging solutions and by supporting the development of recycling and composting infrastructure. By embracing these strategies, we can move closer to a circular economy where waste is minimized, and resources are utilized efficiently,” DG MAN added.

MAN, also advocated that a comprehensive and strategic approach is necessary in order to achieve a successful transition, adding that the government must play a proactive role in facilitating a smooth transition for businesses and the general public.

It added that this includes establishing a robust recycling infrastructure, the nationwide deployment of recycling collection sites, particularly in industrial clusters where plastic waste is concentrated.

To incentivize participation, MAN wants the government to implement financial rewards or tax breaks for individuals and businesses that actively engage in recycling, adding that investing in research and development is crucial for creating innovative and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

“By fostering public-private partnerships with companies specializing in sustainable materials, the government can accelerate the development and commercialization of eco-friendly solutions.

“Additionally, the government should provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to businesses, particularly SMEs, to help them adapt to the new regulatory environment. This includes offering training on sustainable packaging design and waste management practices.

“Consumer education is another critical component of successful implementation. By raising awareness about the environmental impacts of single-use plastics and the benefits of alternatives, governments and businesses can influence consumer behaviour and drive demand for sustainable products.

“Investing in marketing and communication strategies to highlight the eco-friendly attributes of new products is essential to build consumer trust and loyalty.

“Furthermore, companies should explore opportunities for circular economy initiatives. By incorporating recycling, reuse, and repair practices into their business models, they can reduce waste and minimize resource consumption. Collaborating with waste management companies and recycling facilities can enhance the effectiveness of these efforts.

“Ultimately, the transition to a single-use plastics-free future requires a holistic approach that encompasses innovation, investment, consumer education, and government support. By embracing these strategies, businesses can not only comply with regulations but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability,” the group emphasized.

Accordingly, the Association has advocated for an adequate government-stakeholders engagement and collaborative efforts on the journey to the eventual elimination of single use plastics, noting that there is clearly the need for government support and a phased implementation to allow businesses sufficient time to adapt and mitigate disruptions.

MAN noted that it supports a balanced approach in addressing the challenges posed by single-use plastics while recognizing the need to protect the environment; the group also emphasizes the importance of mitigating economic disruptions for the members.

The Association pointed out that they are committed to collaborating with government agencies, environmental groups, and other stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that balance environmental concerns with the need to protect jobs and guarantee the survival of businesses.

In this regard, the group added that adequate incentive should be given to offset the costs of adopting alternative materials, including tax breaks to encourage investment in sustainable technologies, and comprehensive training programmes to equip the workforce with the necessary skills.

“Furthermore, we propose the establishment of a dedicated fund to support Research and Development into sustainable packaging solutions. This would foster innovation and create new business opportunities within the manufacturing sector.

“It is also important to state that many manufacturers have already commenced the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, which hold producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including end-of-life management.”

“By working collaboratively with the government and other stakeholders, MAN is ready to play a crucial role in shaping a win-win transition to a single-use plastics free environment. The one that minimizes business closures and job losses, and ensures a smoother transition to a circular economy,” Segun-Kadir maintained.