The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concerns regarding the Federal Government's initiative to eliminate single-use plastics in the country. The policy has already been initiated across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), following the recent approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to prohibit single-use plastics within its establishments in anticipation of a national ban set for next year.
The forthcoming national ban will encompass various items, including plastic cutlery such as straws, trays, stirrers, spoons, forks, knives, and straws; wrapping or packaging films; plastic stick earbuds, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks; balloon and balloon sticks, as well as thermocol/polystyrene cups.
Additional items affected will include polystyrene and expanded polystyrene products; plastic cups and glasses; PVC banners thinner than 100 microns; non-biodegradable flexible plastic packaging for biscuits, noodles, and candy wrappers; single-use shopping bags; sachet water packaging; tobacco product filters; and plastic-based sanitary items like wet wipes and sanitary towels, along with lightweight plastic wrappers, storage bags, and fishing gear.
According to UNIDO, Nigeria produces over 32 million tonnes of waste annually, with plastic waste constituting 2.5 million tonnes, of which less than 15 percent is recycled. The Nigerian plastic waste recycling sector is valued between $5 to $10 billion and has the potential to generate between 750,000 and over one million jobs.
The country incurs an annual loss of N10 billion ($12.98 million) due to unregulated and disorganized plastic recovery management systems. Projections indicate that Nigerian plastic consumption could reach 40 million tonnes by 2030, while the plastic recycling market is expected to grow to 3.47 million tonnes during the same timeframe.
Over the years, the private sector has made substantial investments in the plastic industry, bolstered by support from the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Food & Beverage Industry Association (FBRA), along with the World Bank-backed Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), which has funded recycling facilities in six states.
An official from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said that the proposed nationwide ban on single-use plastics will significantly alter the operational landscape for businesses across various sectors. This change will affect manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers, leading to considerable modifications in production processes, supply chains, and consumer behaviors.
The Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, stated that the forthcoming ban will require extensive operational adjustments for companies in this sector, compelling manufacturers to adapt their production methods to comply with the new regulations.
This transition will demand considerable investments in research and development to explore and implement viable alternative materials. Additionally, acquiring new machinery and upgrading existing infrastructure will be crucial for the production of these alternative products.
Furthermore, the move towards sustainable materials will disrupt established supply chains, necessitating the formation of new partnerships with suppliers of alternative raw materials, which may result in higher costs and logistical challenges.
Ensuring a steady supply of these materials could also be problematic, especially during the initial phases of the transition. He noted that industries such as packaging, consumer goods, food and beverage, and healthcare are likely to face significant disruptions.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector are especially at risk due to their constrained resources and limited ability to adapt to swift regulatory changes.
Ajayi-Kadir pointed out that the repercussions of the ban will extend beyond these primary sectors, affecting other industries as well. For example, the logistics and transportation sectors may encounter difficulties in managing and transporting alternative packaging materials.
He noted that the waste management industry will see alterations in waste composition and recycling methods, while the retail sector will need to adjust its product offerings and packaging to align with the new regulations. He emphasized that the enforcement of a ban on single-use plastics is likely to lead to job losses in industries that heavily depend on the production and distribution of these items.
Workers involved in the manufacturing, packaging, and sales of single-use plastics are at risk of unemployment as companies navigate the new regulatory framework. Factories that cannot transition to alternative materials or absorb the related costs may be compelled to shut down, resulting in job losses and economic instability in the affected areas.
SMEs in the plastics sector are particularly susceptible to the effects of the ban, as they often lack the resources to invest in new technologies or reconfigure their operations. As a result, they may encounter significant obstacles in adjusting to the new regulatory landscape.
The closure of SMEs can have extensive implications for local economies, given their role in job creation, tax revenue generation, and supply chain stability. MAN highlighted that moving away from single-use plastics will require the investigation and implementation of sustainable alternatives.
The organization proposed that bio-based plastics, sourced from renewable materials such as corn starch or sugarcane, present a promising option, as these materials decompose more quickly and have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional plastics.
Reusable cloth bags, metal straws, and glass containers serve as effective substitutes for numerous single-use plastic products.
Although paper alternatives may appear to be a suitable choice, it is important to evaluate their environmental consequences, such as deforestation and water usage. As highlighted by MAN, educational initiatives and awareness campaigns will be essential in showcasing the advantages of sustainable materials and motivating consumers to change their habits.
Ajayi-Kadir emphasized that governments can significantly contribute by offering incentives for businesses to invest in sustainable packaging options and by facilitating the establishment of recycling and composting systems. By adopting these approaches, society can progress towards a circular economy that minimizes waste and optimizes resource use.
Among the strategies proposed by MAN for a successful transition is the implementation of a comprehensive recycling infrastructure, which includes the widespread installation of recycling collection points, especially in industrial areas where plastic waste is prevalent.
To encourage participation, Ajayi-Kadir advocates for the government to introduce financial incentives or tax reductions for individuals and businesses that actively participate in recycling efforts. He also stressed the importance of investing in research and development to create innovative and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
By fostering collaborations between the public and private sectors with companies focused on sustainable materials, the government can expedite the development and commercialization of environmentally friendly solutions.
Additionally, the government should offer technical support and capacity-building resources to businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to help them navigate the new regulatory landscape, including training on sustainable packaging design and effective waste management practices.
The gradual elimination of styrofoam for food packaging in Lagos State appears to be yielding positive results, as many restaurants and eateries are now opting for plastic plates in various areas. Reports indicate that state officials responsible for environmental monitoring and enforcement have been actively visiting markets and dining establishments to ensure adherence to the government's regulations. The crackdown on production companies and distribution channels for styrofoam has led several vendors and eateries to cease purchasing the material.
Nonetheless, this shift has given rise to a black market for styrofoam packaging, resulting in increased prices for plastic plates. In several markets, some plastic dealers are hoarding styrofoam packaging in their inventory, selling it to customers who wish to buy in bulk. The cost of styrofoam varies by vendor; for example, a pack of 25 pieces that previously sold for N700 has surged to between N1,000 and N1,500, while the prices for plastic plates have also escalated. Smaller packs of 50 plastic plates are now priced at N10,500, and larger packs of 50 are selling for N12,500.
The ban has also affected food packaging costs in restaurants and eateries, with styrofoam packaging that used to cost N100 now requiring N300 for plastic plates. Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADevNigeria), stated that the ban has been effective in Lagos and expressed a desire for other states to join the global initiative to phase out polystyrene foam.
However, he noted that some producers have relocated to other states where their operations continue without restrictions. “Having observed the widespread use of styrofoam in Nigeria, I can say that since the announcement three months ago, the ban has been largely effective, but there is a broader trend beyond Lagos.”
The production of styrofoam continues unabated, as manufacturers and suppliers have relocated to regions where the ban is not enforced. Consequently, the intended effects of the ban are not being realized, highlighting the need for regional governmental collaboration.
The repercussions are felt in other states as well. For the ban to be truly effective, a national prohibition is necessary, as the Lagos State Government's ban fails to address the broader issue of styrofoam usage across the country, stated Adogame, the national consultant for the NESREA-EU Plastic Waste Regulation project.