The ban on plastic lunch boxes takes effect on Saturday, June 1.
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Former JMEA president John Mahfood and Bistro 23 operator Mikhail Dockery
By Kimone Witter
Former president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), John Mahfood, says reusable plastic containers and biodegradable alternatives will be allowed in the country after the ban on plastic lunch boxes takes effect on Saturday, June 1.
His comments follow reports that some importers and distributors of lunch boxes have complained that there has not been enough public education on the ban, which they claim has left the trade in limbo.
But Mr. Mahfood, who is group CEO of Jamaican Teas, says there are avenues for affected business operators to get clarity.
Speaking Friday on TVJ's Smile Jamaica, Mr. Mahfood said meetings have been held with Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda.
He added that specifics have been given on the types of containers that will be allowed.
"What we have seen is that there is, as you said, a little bit of uncertainty as to what will be allowed in. But they have been clear that if it's reusable, it's fine. If it's a one-off use, which is most of the containers that are used for deliveries and so on, it's not fine and those have to stop."
According to Mr. Mahfood, most importers have begun making provisions to bring in paper-based lunch boxes, but where members are uncertain whether their product is allowed, they may contact either the JMEA or the Ministry to clarify.
Orders placed prior to June will be allowed to enter Jamaica.
The ban is also extended to personal-care products with microplastic beads, such as cosmetics and toothpaste.
In the meantime, Mikhail Dockery, the operator of Bistro 23, has agreed that more public education is needed on the approved alternatives to plastic lunch boxes.
Mr. Dockery said he transitioned to paper-based lunch boxes at his restaurant in January and has been receiving positive feedback from his customers, although there was some push back.
He noted that there is an additional cost to purchase the boxes.
But, he is confident that importers, distributors and end-users will adhere to the ban.
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