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Polythene: Manufacturers warn of shortage in Jan

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27 December 2017 04:08 pm - 6     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Polythene manufacturers today warned of a possible biodegradable polythene shortage due to the polythene ban which is to be enforced from January 1.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Polythene Manufacturers and Recyclers Association (PMRA) President Anura Wijethunga said the Central Environment Authority’s had banned polythene as per the directions of President Maithripala Sirisena. While the importation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) materials was banned last June, the usage of such products would be completely prohibited from January 2018.

As such he said the entire industry was badly affected by the unforeseen cost of conversion to low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

According to Mr. Wijethunga, the cost producing low-density polyethylene was at least 80 percent higher than the production of high-density polyethylene. He also said the quantity of producing low-density polyethylene would also halve when compared to the production of high-density polyethylene.

Although the government had promised to provide tax concessions to replace machinery needed for the conversion, it was yet to be done, Wijethunga said.

Daily Mirror learned that tax concessions had been granted to import some chemicals used in manufacturing, however the move made no change in the expenses incurred by manufacturers as they only used raw materials which were excluded from the tax relief for production.

“Considering the undue cost of manufacturing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) materials the manufacturers will have to increase the prices of their products between 50 to 80 percent of the present price,” he added. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)


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  Comments - 6

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Romesh Wednesday, 27 December 2017 04:53 PM

    I think people will be ever willing to pay the price increase. Even a shortage is appreciated. Which will push people to uae alternatives.

    Unchikun Wednesday, 27 December 2017 05:14 PM

    The best news for the year 2017.

    Countryman Thursday, 28 December 2017 10:40 AM

    Indeed, it is best news, hope soon it will disappear...!

    Asela Wednesday, 27 December 2017 05:14 PM

    Guys you all strike. .. forever...

    gamini Thursday, 28 December 2017 08:57 AM

    closed down this polluting business and look at alternate business

    Arnold Thursday, 28 December 2017 02:21 PM

    Lets plant banana trees, and export our tea wrapped in dry lotus leaves.


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