Grace period given for plastic ban slammed

By Lemach Lavari
THE Manufacturers Council of PNG says the one-month grace period given by the State for companies to comply with the ban on the use of plastic shopping bags is unrealistic.
Chief executive officer Chey Scovell told The National that he had not been officially informed of the ban which was announced by Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change John Pundari this week. He also said he was not aware of any consultation with the council on the ban of both non-biodegradable and bio-degradable bags imported or manufactured locally.
The council is yet to receive a copy of the new policy.
“It is disappointing that the Government is not upholding its obligations on processes for regulatory reform, namely on consultation and notifications,” Scovell said.
He said the total ban was disappointing for local industries who had been working with the government in observing the current ban on non-biodegradable plastics.
“Local manufacturers and long-standing major retailers have been compliant with the current policy,” Scovell said.
He said manufactures and retailers had also been burdened by the poor enforcement of the current policy.
He condemned the one-month grace period as unrealistic for businesses, saying businesses have inventory and contractual arrangements which cannot be just undone in a month.
“A one-month ban shows the department’s lack of understanding of business operations,” he said.
“If there is an intention to clean our environment, it would be more effective to see education and awareness on waste management and improved resourcing on waste collection and disposal.”