Styrofoam ban will still take effect in January despite pushback
The Jamaican government will continue the implementation of the ban on the use of polystyrene foam (Styrofoam), which will take effect on January 1, 2020.
This is despite protests within the food and beverage industry for the deadline for the start of the ban to be pushed back.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the government has met with stakeholders, and after assessing the situation, has concluded that there are alternatives to Styrofoam products for the second phase to continue.
The first phase took effect on January 1, 2019 with the ban on the importation of the products.
The OPM said: “The policymakers’ assessment determined that with the increasing availability of viable alternatives, the government is convinced that the timely implementation of this second phase will continue to improve the lives of all Jamaicans as well as safeguard public health and the environment.”
