Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is enforcing an impromptu ban on the use of polystyrene-based packaging citing environmental and health implications, reports ZBC.
Following uproar from the business community, EMA gave manufacturers of the Polytrene material – popularly known as kaylites- three months to clear their stocks, after its officials met with manufacturers and retailers on the way forward.
“We agreed that let’s give them three months to clear their stocks, but they are also going to invest in environmental cleanup of Kaylites,” said EMA board chairman Ambassador Zenzo Nsimbi, adding, “They have come up with a company that they will capacitate to do the clean – up.”
Kaylite manufacturers will engage in an environmental cleanup across Zimbabwe.
Although companies have been given a three month ban, individual consumers will use them at their discretion.
“People now know the dangers of using kaylites and we are leaving their use to individuals to decide,” said Ambassador Zenzo.
Business in Zimbabwe have started to comply with the earlier directive of banning the use of kaylites locally by using alternative packaging. However, informal food vendors and small restaurants in the capital have continued to use of the Kaylites, according to New Zimbabwe.
Studies show that increased polystyrene exposure will cause chromosomal damage, abnorminal pulmonary function and cancer. The chemicals emitted by a heated kaylite causes headaches, weakness, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal and minor kidney effects among other dire effects.
The government last week announced that it has activated statutory instrument 84 of 2012 which prohibits the manufacturing or importation of polystyrene or kaylites citing environmental and health hazards.
