MAN calls for support consultations on single-use plastics ban

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised concerns over the potential economic implications of the Federal Government’s proposed ban on single-use plastics.

MAN said, for instance, that the implementation of a single-use plastics ban will likely result in job losses within industries heavily reliant on the production and distribution of these products.

MAN Director-General Segun Ajayi-Kadir, in a statement yesterday, said 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.

He added that 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.

MAN stated that small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) 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,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

He pointed out that the transition to alternative materials has substantial financial implications, and businesses will incur significant costs for new technology, employees training, and potentially higher-priced raw materials.

Ajayi-Kadir also stated that 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.

Besides, non-compliance, he said, also carries the risk of substantial penalties, further exacerbating financial challenges.

Ajayi-Kadir’s words: “The proposed nationwide ban on single-use plastics will undoubtedly impact the operational landscape for businesses across diverse sectors.

 “Concerned manufacturers, distributors/retailers and consumers will have their production processes, supply chains, and consumer behaviors significantly altered.

 “This regulatory shift will precipitate significant investments in research and development to identify, develop, and implement viable alternatives to single-use plastics.

 “Businesses will have to explore eco-friendly materials, redesign packaging formats, and potentially invest in new manufacturing equipment.

 “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.”

MAN, therefore, advocated for adequate government-stakeholders engagement and collaborative efforts on the journey to the eventual elimination of single use plastics.

The Association said “There is clearly the need for government support and a phased implementation to allow businesses sufficient time to adapt and mitigate disruptions.”

Ajayi-Kadir said while MAN recognizes the need to protect the environment, it also emphasizes the importance of mitigating economic disruptions for its members hence “MAN supports a balanced approach in addressing the challenges posed by single-use plastics.”

According to him, MAN is 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, 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,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

Furthermore, MAN proposed the establishment of a dedicated fund to support research and development into sustainable packaging solutions, noting that this would foster innovation and create new business opportunities within the manufacturing sector.

The Association also stated 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,” the MAN DG said.