The Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) collaborated with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to create awareness for recyclers and manufacturers of plastics in Lagos State, at a seminar recently.

The coalition, which is made up of both local and multinational companies, is implementing the extended producer responsibility in Nigeria, whereby manufacturers proactively manage their waste to ensure safety of the environment.

This is the second edition of the seminar, which explored the theme: ‘Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains Through Circular Economy Practices.’ The maiden session took place in Abuja in March, this year.

According to a statement from FBRA issued by Agharese Onaghise, its Executive Secretary, the project seeks to contribute to Nigeria’s inclusive and sustainable industrial development through resource efficiency.

The statement added that 10 selected organisations will be shortlisted for the implementation phase of the project in Lagos and Abuja.

“Humans have become more mobile especially in urban areas, and this has contributed to the increased use of plastics on the go, which has in turn, increased plastic waste pollution,” Onaghise said.

“Lagos, as a coastline city, will continue to contribute to the disruption of the aquatic ecosystem if appropriate waste management practices are not employed.

“This is the reason FBRA, in partnership with UNIDO, conducted an awareness training for plastic value chain players in Lagos. The training focused on promoting circular economy principles and practices, while ensuring resource efficient production for plastic value chains in Nigeria.”

In their remarks, Oluyomi Banjo, National Programme Coordinator, UNIDO, spoke about the objectives and expected outcomes of the project, while Dr Gaji Tajudeen, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, restated the commitment of the state in ensuring proper waste management and circularity within the sector. Dr Femi Idowu-Adegoke, President of Lagos Recyclers Association, commended the organizers for the initiative and reiterated the importance of circularity in Nigeria. Sandeep Chhatwal from Indorama, a member company of FBRA, gave the vote of thanks.

The training had in attendance relevant stakeholders across the plastic value chain in Lagos and Ogun State.

Also in attendance, were representatives from FBRA’s member companies, plastic waste value chain players, representatives from UNIDO, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Lagos State Ministry of Environment.

Some of the topics discussed during the technical sessions included Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production and its Benefits, Circular Economy, and Plastic Packaging.

FBRA registered in March 2018 as the Industry Coalition for the Food and Beverage Sector, the Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility in Nigeria.

The Alliance has membership drawn from responsible and forward-thinking companies which includes Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Seven-Up Bottling Company Limited, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, International Breweries Limited, Tulip Cocoa, Prima Caps and Preforms, DOW Chemicals, Tetra Pak West Africa, The LaCasera Company Plc, Engee PET Manufacturing Company Limited, Omnik Limited, UAC Foods Limited, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Perfetti Van Melle, CHI Limited, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Beta Glass Plc/Frigoglass Industries Nigeria Limited, Kellogg Tolaram Plc, CWAY Limited, Dufil Plc, Friesland Campina WAMCO, PolySmart Group, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Zard Group and British American Tobacco.