Frequently Asked Questions

The ban on plastic bags was mainly targeted towards the carrier bags and single use disposable bags commonly used in market areas and fast food joints. However, manufacturers, users and importers of Industrial packaging, medical bin liners, garbage bags, courier bags and other relevant plastic material can apply to the country/s National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) for exemption from the ban. Check out the plastic portal on their website for more details https://www.nema.go.ke/

• Plastic #1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
• Plastic #2: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
• Plastic #3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Plastic #4: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
• Plastic #5: Polypropylene (PP)
• Plastic #6: Polystyrene (PS)
• Plastic #7: Other

#7 on plastic stands for any plastic material that does not qualify between #1 to #6. This may include plastics such as those of a laminated structure (using a combination of materials including plastics to achieve the desired characteristics).

• Plastic reduces spoilage of fresh produce and increases storage and shelf life, thereby saving otherwise lost resources.
• Plastic packaging requires less energy per kg to manufacture than other alternatives, thereby resulting in a lower carbon footprint through lower emissions.
• Plastic uses less resources compared to other types of packaging to do the same job.

Plastics do not easily bio-degrade and may only do so in special conditions which are not achieved in landfills or oceans. However, we must all make sure that plastics are not littered or disposed off irresponsibly.

Most plastic can be managed through a variety of ways subject to a number of factors revolving around its composition, use, disposal, collection and segregation. In addition to this, the policies and infrastructure in place are vital to any successful waste management scheme. Below are some of the options in use around the world:

• Recycling by processing segregated waste into products similar to the originals in terms of characteristics (not for mixed or multi-layer waste).
• Recycling by processing segregated waste into products which are not similar to the originals in terms of characteristics (not for mixed or multi-layer waste).
• Pyrolysis of hydrolysis process which recovers energy from plastic waste without burning it; producing basic fuels and chemicals.
• Incineration to retrieve energy from plastic waste (this has high pollution levels and emissions of harmful fumes and is banned in some countries).

As an industry, in conjunction with the communities around us, more effort should be put into some aspects of our day to day lives such as:

• Improved education in schools and learning institutions on correct use and disposal of plastics
• Improved waste collection and segregation of plastics
• Improved waste management policies and infrastructure