Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s environmental, industrial, and consumer landscape gathered for a crucial dialogue – one focused on tackling the silent but mounting threat posed by unsustainable packaging.
The event, held on World Environment Day (June 5th, 2024), underscored the growing urgency of addressing Nigeria’s packaging crisis. Consumption patterns are rapidly changing, with Nigerians increasingly relying on packaged goods. While this trend fuels economic growth in the manufacturing sector, it leaves a trail of plastic waste choking waterways, overflowing landfills, and threatening ecosystems.
The Numbers Tell a Story
The statistics paint a concerning picture. Nigerians consume an estimated 100 million units of packaging every day. A significant portion of this packaging, particularly single-use plastics, ends up in the environment, posing a severe threat to public health and ecological balance.
The longer various packaging formats disintegrate,” warns Agharese Onaghise, Executive Director of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), “the more they threaten the health of people, damage vital ecosystems, and ultimately undermine the country’s well-being.
The World Environment Day event served as a platform for open dialogue and collaboration. Key players like Tetra Pak West Africa, a leading packaging manufacturer, and Nestle Nigeria Plc, a major consumer goods company, shared their perspectives and ongoing efforts towards sustainable packaging solutions.
Nestle’s Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability, emphasized the company’s commitment to promoting a circular economy for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic in Nigeria. We recognize the importance of responsible waste management and are actively exploring ways to minimize our environmental footprint,” she stated.
The need for collective action was a recurring theme throughout the discussions. “This is not an issue that can be solved by one company or one organization,” stressed Dr. Muyiwa Bakare, a renowned environmental scientist. “We need a multi-stakeholder approach that involves manufacturers, policymakers, consumers, and waste management companies.”
Embracing a Circular Economy
A central focus of the discussions revolved around the concept of a circular economy for packaging. This approach aims to minimize waste by designing packaging that can be easily recycled and reused. Initiatives such as extended producer responsibility (EPR), where manufacturers share the responsibility for the lifecycle of their products, were also explored.
Challenges and Opportunities
The path towards a sustainable packaging future in Nigeria is fraught with challenges. Inadequate waste management infrastructure, consumer behavior patterns, and the affordability of sustainable alternatives are all hurdles that need to be addressed.
However, the event also showcased promising opportunities. Local recycling companies are emerging, offering solutions for plastic waste management. Additionally, there’s a growing consumer awareness of the environmental impact of packaging, leading to a demand for eco-friendly alternatives.
A Call to Consumers
While industry collaboration is crucial, consumers also play a vital role in driving change. Making informed choices, such as opting for products with recyclable packaging and actively participating in recycling programs, can significantly impact the waste management landscape.
Government Intervention: Policy and Investment
The role of government cannot be overstated. Policy frameworks that incentivize sustainable packaging practices and investments in waste management infrastructure are essential for long-term success. Initiatives like deposit refund schemes for plastic bottles, where consumers receive a small refund for returning used bottles, can be explored.
A United Front for a Sustainable Future
The World Environment Day event in Lagos marked a significant step towards tackling Nigeria’s packaging crisis. The gathering of stakeholders across various sectors signifies a growing recognition of the problem and a collective commitment to finding solutions.
The road ahead will require continued collaboration, innovation, and a shift in mindsets. But with a united front, Nigeria can build a more sustainable future, one where packaging empowers economic growth without compromising the environment for generations to come.
