Ethiopia is exploring a draft regulation that would introduce recycled plastic (PET) into food and beverage packaging. Officials believe this move will reduce reliance on expensive imports and combat plastic pollution, but concerns linger about safety and feasibility. Plastic waste poses a significant environmental threat. By promoting recycling, officials hope to reduce the country's dependence on PET imports, curb plastic pollution, and potentially save foreign currency.

The Food & Beverage Industry Research & Development Center, spearheading the initiative. Bekele Mekuria, head of the Center, is urging bottled water, edible oil, and soft drink manufacturers to explore recycling options. Currently, PET imports cost Ethiopia 40 million dollars annually, placing a strain on foreign currency reserves. Bekele points to a successful policy shift last year, where prohibiting foreign currency allocation for blue dye import saved 15 million dollars. While a complete ban on PET imports is not imminent due to industry reliance, Bekele anticipates a gradual phase-out.

"Regulation is crucial due to the hazardous nature of chemicals involved," he told Fortune.

The standard was developed through a collaborative effort involving 10 organisations, including the Ethiopian Plastic & Rubber Association, the Ethiopian National Accreditation Service (ENAS), and the Ethiopian Food & Drug Authority (EFDA), for one and a half years, currently under review at the Ministry of Justice.

When all manufacturers work at full capacity, the country can produce nearly four billion pieces of plastic bottled water annually, raising concerns about plastic waste. The draft calls for manufacturers to invest in recycling infrastructure and waste collection systems. While the initial investment might be significant, long-term cost savings from reduced reliance on PET imports and potential brand reputation benefits associated with sustainability could outweigh the upfront costs.

However, it faces several hurdles.

With a growing focus on establishing quality standards and ensuring transparency in the process, recycled PET could offer a more sustainable solution for Ethiopia's bottled water industry, reducing dependence on virgin plastic and its environmental impact. However, industry players like Arki Natural Mineral Water, are sceptical about the quality and safety, citing inadequate chemical cleaning practices.

Dagmawi Getachew, manager at Arki Natural Mineral Water plant, expresses hesitation in compliance, recalling that their current practices involve virgin plastic because of limitations in the country's chemical cleaning processes for reused materials.

Under the SBG business group, the Arki water plant, established with 64 million Br capital, plans to continue importing PET from Saudi Arabia and India whether or not the regulation receives approval.

"Decreasing heavy tax levies will incentivise manufacturing better," Dagamawi said.

The draft regulation requires an Ethiopian Food & Drug Administration (EFDA) certificate of competence and license for businesses involved in the transport, storage, and processing of PET recyclables intended for food contact.

Belete Serahbizu (PhD), a material engineering lecturer at Adama Science Technology University, feels insufficient studies have been conducted to determine how recycled PET products may impact human health, particularly regarding the potential effects on the chemical structure of the material after processing.