Plastics

The study also found that chemical recycling will be complementary to advanced mechanical recycling, with each targeting different fractions of the flexible waste stream and different end-uses, particularly multi-material films for food-contact applications.

The requirement for locally sourced recycled PET, from certified food-grade producers, is specifically intended to grow Nigeria’s domestic collection and recycling capacity, support local recyclers and reduce dependence on imported alternatives.

A transition period lasting until 20 July 2028 applies to single-use food contact articles using varnishes and coatings manufactured with BPA, particularly packaging for preserving fruits, vegetables and processed fish products where acidic contents require BPA-based internal coatings to prevent metal corrosion.

NESREA confirmed the regulations would not impose immediate disruption, with mandatory recycled PET content beginning at 25 per cent on 1 January 2028 and increasing to 50 per cent from 1 January 2030.

The authority found that imports from China continued to rise at a substantial pace despite the existing duty, while Chinese imports continued to undercut domestic prices, affecting profitability and competitiveness of Indian producers.

The Environment Authority has called on business owners and consumers to comply and expand the use of sustainable alternatives such as cloth or paper bags.

GPMA President Ebbo Botwe stated in a petition to the EPA that the sector’s capital investments in plants and machinery total GH¢1.493 billion (US$95 million), which would be rendered obsolete under the current timeline.

BlueAlp’s patented pyrolysis technology converts post-consumer mixed plastic waste into pyrolysis oil through a continuous process, achieving Technology Readiness Level 9 maturity.

The Egyptian bacterial consortium provides a scalable biological pathway for tackling one of the most problematic plastics in the recycling stream, offering a nature-based alternative to energy-intensive chemical recycling processes.

MAN cited international experience, noting that Kenya’s 2017 ban on thin plastic bags led to factory closures and job losses, yet banned bags continue to circulate through smuggling and cross-border trade.