The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in the Midlands has issued a stern warning to vendors, retailers, and food outlets regarding the importation and distribution of plastic packaging materials that fail to meet regulatory standards.
Speaking to Great Dyke News, EMA Midlands Environmental Education and Publicity Officer Oswald Ndlovu highlighted a concerning trend where thin plastics, with a thickness of less than 30 micrometers, are being brought into Zimbabwe from neighboring countries and sold locally.
Ndlovu emphasized that this practice violates the Environmental Management (Plastic Packaging and Plastic Bottles) Regulations, established in 2010 under Statutory Instrument 98.
“We have noted with concern that some vendors, retailers, and food outlets are importing and distributing plastic packaging materials with the whole thickness of less than 30 micrometers. These thin plastics are imported from neighboring countries and distributed to vendors and retailers, which is against the provisions of plastic packaging regulations of 2010,” he stated.
The 2010 regulations were implemented to combat plastic pollution and encourage more sustainable practices within Zimbabwe. Key points from these regulations include prohibiting the manufacture, commercial distribution, or importation of plastic packaging with a wall thickness of less than thirty micrometers.
Exceptions are made for plastic bread packaging and cling film used as plastic barrier packaging, with a thickness between twenty-five and thirty micrometers, as well as biodegradable plastic packaging. Additionally, printing on plastic and plastic bottles must use ink that complies with compulsory specifications.
EMA also requires all responsible parties, including manufacturers, retailers, and local authorities, to set plastic waste prevention targets and notify the agency accordingly. The enforcement of these regulations is crucial for reducing plastic waste and mitigating its environmental impact. Ndlovu called for immediate compliance, urging all involved parties to adhere to the stipulated standards to avoid penalties and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
The warning from EMA comes at a critical time when the negative effects of plastic pollution are becoming increasingly evident. Thin plastics, which are often non-biodegradable, pose significant environmental hazards, including soil and water contamination and harm to wildlife.
