Kebs approves eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags
A vendor holding plastic bags. Kebs will not issue or renew permits for plastic bag manufacturers. PHOTO | BENSON MOMANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The ban also covers importation and manufacturing of polythene bags.
- He said the agency will continue with market surveillance to get rid of low quality products.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has approved eco-friendly materials to be used as alternative packaging to plastic bags.
Kebs Quality Assurance and Inspection Director Eric Chesire has said the bags are made of biodegradable materials that include canvas, polypropylene and cloth, adding that they are now available on the market.
He maintained that no new permit will be issued or existing ones renewed for polythene bag manufacturers after August 28, when the ban is expected to take effect.
“We have approved standards for manufacture of materials that will be used in place of plastic bags and are still working to develop standards for more materials,” he said in Nyeri town during a workshop for its stakeholders.
The Ministry of Environment banned plastic bags that are used for commercial and household packaging. The ban also covers importing and manufacturing the product.
Mr Chesire explained stringent measures adopted by Kebs aim to rid the market of uncertified products and ensure consumers get products of the best quality.
He said the agency will continue its market surveillance to get rid of low-quality products.
He pointed out that construction metal bars and water pipes are some of the products that are mostly manufactured without adhering to recommended standards.
