The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) says it believes the resolution to ban the use of disposable plastic bags will stimulate the manufacture of durable alternatives that are environmentally sustainable.
ZDA says it expects the ban to increase value addition within the timber industry as a result of a growth in paper-based packaging.
The regulation is further expected to encourage innovation in the handicraft sub-sector aimed at producing attractive, fashionable, yet durable carrier bags using local biodegradable materials while creating more jobs.
ZDA Director General Perry Mapani explains that the opportunities created by the new regulation will establish a vibrant and robust recycling sub-sector that will utilize locally generated waste to create profits, new environmentally-friendly products, and more jobs for Zambians.
“The growth of this sector will support manufacturing companies that spend over USS$ 30 million annually on imported packaging products. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 65 of 2018, which encourages manufacturers to extend their responsibility on products beyond consumption, will stimulate innovation, diversification and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector,” elaborated Mr. Mapani.
“Further, the Agency is poised to attract investments in the manufacture of other durable alternative shopping bags to be used in place of disposable bags”.
In addition, this ban has the potential to assist the Country in creating a reputation of being a clean tourist paradise that would boost the Tourism Sector which is one of the priority sectors in Zambia.
Mr. Mapani has urged all Zambians to support the new regulation, as it is illogical to continue producing products that are used once, yet they pollute the environment indefinitely.
He says this action is necessary to prevent welfare losses from this and future generations of Zambians.
On 3rd December 2018, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) acting through the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) under the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation, and Environmental Protection informed the Nation that Statutory Instrument (SI) number 65 of 2018 took effect on 3rd August 2018.
According to legal provisions, a 180 days allowance was given with effect from the aforementioned date.
This means that all manufacturers of packaging materials should be registered with ZEMA by the 14th of February 2019 when the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) takes effect.

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