Buyers–Sellers workshop promotes plastic alternatives and ozone layer protection

The importance of promoting plastic alternatives, sustainable packaging and as well as strengthen collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers and buyers was highlighted today during a workshop at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port Louis.

An initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, the Buyers–Sellers Workshop and Exhibition on Plastic Alternatives, underscored the importance of public-private sector cooperation in reducing plastic pollution, and supporting Mauritius’s transition towards a circular economy.

The workshop follows the implementation of the Environment (Control of Single Use Plastic Products) Regulations 2020 and addresses challenges faced by local food manufacturers in adopting alternatives to single-use plastics. It provided a platform for participants to exchange knowledge, showcase available alternatives to single-use food packaging and discuss challenges and opportunities related to the production, distribution and adoption of more sustainable solutions.

Present at the opening, the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Rajesh Bhagwan, highlighted Mauritius’ progress in protecting the ozone layer, recalling that the country eliminated chlorofluorocarbons in 2005, five years ahead of the deadline under the Montreal Protocol, and has since reduced its imports of hydrochlorofluorocarbons by 97.5%, with complete phase-out targeted for 2030.

The Minister stressed the need for training and capacity-building to promote environmentally friendly refrigeration technologies, with efforts now extending to commercial and industrial sectors.

Minister Bhagwan also drew attention to the environmental consequences of plastic pollution, indicating that approximately 36% of plastics produced worldwide are used for packaging, while 85% of single-use food and beverage containers end up in landfills or are inadequately managed.

To this end, he called for coordinated action by Government, industry, suppliers, buyers and consumers to engage in sustainable packaging and avoid short-term solutions as well as to develop initiatives in waste management, refrigeration and energy efficiency.

26 October 2026

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Topics: Environment