A masterbatch that makes blue-colour plastic water bottles will no longer be imported. Ethiopian Beverages Manufacturing Industries Association leaders persuaded manufacturers to discontinue using the product due to pressure on the foreign currency reserve. It is hoped to save close to 50 million dollars spent to import the masterbatch. Close to 15 million litres of bottled water is consumed a day. The product is unsuitable for recycling, pollutes the environment and adds no value, Getnet Belay, president of the Association, told a press conference held last week at the Inter Luxury Hotel. The Association partnered with the Federal Food & Beverage Industry Research & Development Institute, led by Bekele Mekuria, to study the product's environmental impact for over a year. Following the request for the 20pc excise tax exemption on bottled water, the Institute has recommended the Association lower its operational costs.
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