Temporary Use of Certain Plastic Products: A Reprieve That Will Prevent Major Disruptions for Businesses, According to Business Mauritius

Temporary Use of Certain Plastic Products: A reprieve that will prevent significant disruptions for businesses, as stated by Business Mauritius.

According to the business community, the adjustment announced by the Ministry of Environment regarding the temporary use of non-biodegradable plastic containers will help avoid major disruptions for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises facing supply constraints and stringent health requirements. This is the position of Business Mauritius following the clarifications issued this week by the Minister of Environment concerning the temporary adjustments applicable to certain specific products.

"Given the supply constraints and very strict health requirements, a narrowly targeted and temporary moratorium will help avoid major disruptions in the market," Business Mauritius emphasized on Friday, December 5.

The association also notes that this decision does not undermine the ban on prohibited items or the national trajectory towards more sustainable materials.

The employers' federation further recalls that this additional time will provide the ecosystem with the necessary space to ensure compliant alternatives can be deployed.

For many small businesses, the cost of alternatives remains high, underscoring the importance of a gradual and feasible transition.

Business Mauritius also praises the progress already made in implementing the national roadmap, particularly the National Strategy on Plastics (NSP), which outlines a clear direction to reduce the environmental impact of plastics, along with the National Stock Inventory (NSI), which provides reliable data to inform future decision-making. These structural initiatives demonstrate that the transition is underway and must continue with a spirit of consistency and sustainability.

As a reminder, during a press conference yesterday (Thursday, December 4), Rajesh Bhagwan described the temporary use of non-biodegradable plastic containers as a "pragmatic measure justified by the lack of reliable alternatives currently available on the market."

However, the Minister of Environment emphasized the firmness of the law: "a targeted tolerance does not mean leniency."