Tanzania govt maps out new rules for plastic bottles restriction

By Nneka Nwogwugwu

The government of Tanzania is preparing new regulations which are expected to restrict use of plastic bottles that are not easily recycled and environmentally unfriendly.

Soft drink manufacturers will be required to use a clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle for packaging, instead of coloured bottles whose recyclability is said to be not critical to improving the environment.

Clear plastics are always preferred in the recycled materials market, and have the highest material value because transparent plastic can typically be dyed with greater flexibility.

Tanzania’s minister of State in the Vice President Office responsible for Union and Environment, Mr Selemani Jafo, said the regulations are set to be ready before the end of the year and will be painful to soft drink makers who use colored bottle packaging.

Mr Jafo was speaking during a function where Coca Cola unveiled the new look of its Sprite which is now packaged in the new plastic bottle.

“Regulations which are in the offing will be really very tough. You (soft drink makers) will need to tolerate us,” said Mr Jafo, noting that the government’s aim was to phase out unfriendly packaging.

“The regulations will be gazetted before the end of the year, ready for use.

Commending Coca Cola for taking the lead in using reusable and recycled materials in its packaging, he urged other investors to follow suit.

The National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) director general, Dr Samuel Gwamaka, said that the plan on cards is to phase out coloured bottle packaging within 12 months from now on.

He said NEMC had already written to some investors to inform them about the plan and the need for them to act responsibly when it comes to environmental protection.

Coca-Cola Kwanza managing director Unguu Sulay said the change of the iconic bottle look is the demonstration of Coca-Cola’s commitment to environmental protection using eco-friendly innovations.