The country must exercise caution when considering plastic credit schemes, warned Hemantha Withanage, Chairperson and Senior Advisor of the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ).
Speaking on the growing threat of plastic pollution, Withanage stressed that any mechanism adopted must directly contribute to environmental protection. He argued that plastic credits—market-based tools similar to carbon credits—should not be seen as viable unless they result in a measurable reduction of plastic in the environment.
“Plastic credits may sound promising, but if they fail to reduce pollution, protect biodiversity, or safeguard marine ecosystems, then they are not a real solution,” he said.
Withanage noted that plastic packaging—especially in processed foods and snacks—has become a major environmental issue in Sri Lanka. While reducing plastic consumption is essential, he emphasized the need for practical, enforceable regulations.
He also voiced concern over delays in implementing Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a policy that holds producers accountable for the environmental impacts of their products throughout their lifecycle.
Despite ongoing discussions at the Environment Ministry since 2003, Withanage said EPR laws remain unimplemented due to resistance from some companies.
Citing a study from Mozambique, he warned that the absence of EPR laws could result in significant economic losses and missed job opportunities. “Mozambique risks losing USD 551 million annually without EPR and could create 98,000 jobs if such policies were introduced,” he noted.
