The Sunday Mail
THE switch from the use of polystyrene packaging also known as kaylite is still difficult for small businesses, although on average there is an 85 percent compliance.
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has indicated that large retail businesses and other quick restaurant service providers had made a smooth switch from the use of kaylite, since its ban in July this year.
Since the ban was pronounced, EMA has confiscated 58 million kaylite units. However, there are still some teething problems with the small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Kaylite had drastic problems to the environment, that is why it was banned. The formal sector has made a quick switch from the use of kaylite packaging,” said EMA spokesperson Mr Steady Kangata.
“We still have teething problems with the informal sector, but we are happy even customers know their rights and some are refusing to use kaylite packaging. Total compliance is now at 85 percent, which is commendable,” he said.
In July, Government, banned the use of kaylite and other related plastic packaging citing health hazards and pollution.
It is believed exposure to heated kaylite causes severe health problems such as headaches, kidney complications, weakness, respiratory tract and cancer, in addition to decreasing concentration.
But after deliberations with stakeholders in the sector, Government gave kaylite manufacturers a three-month reprieve for them to clear their stock while the general public would use them at their own discretion.
Ever since the ban, large retail groups have since made the switch to other forms of packaging such as plastic.
At their last annual general meeting, which was held after the ban was pronounced, largest retail group, OK Zimbabwe, admitted the ban had created some disruptions for the business but they had made adjustments.
But manufacturers have cried foul over the ban.
Once largest kaylite manufacturer Planas Investments say they are still working on research for a possible alternative as they seek to recoup losses incurred after the ban.
The company has also laid off workers after cutting production.
Prior to the ban, the firm had invested $6 million into a new manufacturing plant for kaylite, but had to stop production in compliance with the Government directive.
“As a company that had invested millions, we will not take short cuts in identifying an alternative. We had to go back to the drawing board and it will take a bit more time for us to resume business,” said Planas business development manager Mrs Melody Frank.
“We are currently involved in research so that we come up with a product of high quality to our customers, a product that is approved by both EMA and Standards Association of Zimbabwe,” she said.
Before the ban last July, Zimbabwe had two kaylite manufacturers, Planas and Wowpak Manufacturers, after Versapak — who were the biggest — closed when the ban was first pronounced under Statutory Instrument 84 of 2012. This was, however, activated this year, effectively prohibiting the manufacturing or importation of polystyrene for use or commercial distribution within Zimbabwe.
