Single-use Plastics Ban: Manufacturers Warn Of Massive Job Losses

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said the proposed nationwide ban on single-use plastics is likely to result in job losses within industries heavily reliant on the production and distribution of the products.

The federal government announced a ban on single-use plastics in all its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Speaking on this, the director-general of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir said that this 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 behaviours 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,” he said.

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According to Ajayi-Kadir, 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.

“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.

“Small and Medium Scale Enterprises 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.”

He added that “the number of businesses that would be affected by the single-use plastics ban will be determined by the scope of the policy. Sectors such as packaging, consumer goods, food and beverage, and healthcare are expected to experience significant disruptions. SMEs within the manufacturing sector are particularly vulnerable due to their limited resources and capacity to adapt to rapid regulatory changes.

“Beyond these primary sectors, the ban will have ripple effects on other industries. For instance, the logistics and transportation sectors may face challenges in handling and transporting alternative packaging materials. The waste management industry will experience changes in waste composition and recycling processes.”

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

Ajayi-Kadir said “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.”

He proposed “the establishment of a dedicated fund to support Research and Development into sustainable packaging solutions. This would foster innovation and create new business opportunities within the manufacturing sector.”