Firms that package water in plastic bottles have warned of a massive ripple effect if a total ban on non-reusable plastic material in imposed. Four years after Kenya outlawed the use of single-use plastic bags, Nairobi County sees to amend the law for a complete ban on the manufacture, import, export, use or offer for sale plastic carrier bags and plastic material. The proposed amendment of the Plastic Control Act 2016 seeks to delete “plastic carry bags” and replace it with “plastic material”, which will affect the entire plastic industry, including bottled water and food containers among others. Yesterday, water bottlers and dealers' lobby–Water Bottlers Association of Kenya (WBAK) said a move to place a total ban on plastic material will be detrimental to the economy. Over 1,100 companies packaging water will be affected if a total ban is placed, WBAK chairman Henry Kabogo adds, with over 50 companies manufacturing plastic containers facing closure.

Source: The Star July 14, 2021 00:56 UTC