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As a way forward from the Single- Use Plastic Bag Ban, the Fijian government has advanced into prohibiting polystyrene products which are detrimental for the environment. The Ban on Polystyrene was first announced by the Hon. Minister of Economy in 2020 whereby it has undergone a very vigorous process ever since. Before its implementation on 01 January 2021, a team was deployed to carry out various consultations with all the major manufacturers and distributors of polystyrene in Fiji. After the first round of consultations the Polystyrene Ban Committee (PBC) decided to impose a 7 months grace period before the ban could be totally implemented locally. This grace period is to allow distributors and manufacturers to sell out their remaining stocks of the banned products. The first phase which begun on 01 January only prohibits the importation and exportation of any of the banned products.From 1st August 2021 these products are completely banned from being used in Fiji.The four main polystyrene products that are currently banned includes polystyrene cups, polystyrene containers, polystyrene trays and polystyrene plates.
Alternatives available include bagasse-made products, aluminum-made products, reusable plastic containers, bamboo-made products, molded fiber products, cardboard-made products and paper/PLA-made products. Most of these alternatives are readily available in stores at a reasonable price.
Related Information:
- Environment Management (Amendment) Act 2020: An act to amend the Environment Management Act 2005; Act No. 42 of 2020
- Information for manufacturers, sellers, suppliers and distributors of polystyrene (styrofoam) [PBC info note]
- Polystyrene ban: Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
Author
Polystyrene Ban Committee (PBC) Fiji
