Project seeks to resume the use of technopor: what motivates it and why it generates rejection from the Minam and the Ombudsman

Despite the fact that the use and manufacture of styrofoam are prohibited by law in the country, the issue is once again under discussion due to a bill (399/2021-CR) of October 2021, which proposed to extend the term for the entry into force of the aforementioned prohibition, and which is pending support in the Production Commission of Congress.

As is known, on December 20 of last year the 36-month term established in the Law 30884to regulate single-use plastic and disposable containers or containers, including Styrofoam.

Since then It was prohibited to use and market technopor in the country.

What does the bill say

The controversial bill was presented in October 2021 by the Fuerza Popular bench, at the initiative of legislator Jorge Morante Figari, and in its explanatory memorandum it states that the object is “contribute to the economic reactivation of micro and small merchants and users of containers or containers of expanded polystyrene (technopor) for food and beverages for human consumption”.

This, through the extension for 24 months of the term established in literal c), of numeral 3.3 of article 3 of Law 30884 (36 months), Law that regulates single-use plastic and disposable containers or containers, which occurred in 2018.

“This term is counted from December 20, 2021″, indicates the project, that is, it seeks that the ban only enters into force in 2023.

Minam rejects the proposal

The Ministry of the Environment expressed this week its disagreement with the bill which proposes extending the manufacture, marketing and use of styrofoam containers for two years, despite being prohibited by law that regulates the use of single-use plastics and disposable containers or packaging.

The sector recalled that Styrofoam is harmful to health and the environmentwhich is why it was prohibited in the country through Law 30884, Law that regulates single-use plastic and disposable containers or containers, published on December 19, 2018.

“We cannot allow the use of toxic materials to return to the country againonly for the benefit of a few, even more so when various studies indicate that the toxins of this material can be transferred to food and drinks, especially when it is heated”, says Environment.

“Sustainable development is possible, we do not need more polluting materials to get ahead”, they added.

It also detailed that said rule prohibited, within a period of 36 months from its entry into force, the manufacture for domestic consumption, import, distribution, delivery, marketing and use of Styrofoam containers or containers and cups for food and beverages for human consumption.

However, the harmful product is still sold in markets and galleries in the districts of Lima, due to the lack of effective control.

They ask to file the bill

The Ombudsman’s Office also asked the Production and Economy commissions of Congress archive this legislative initiative, in order to guarantee the right to a healthy environment.

In a letter addressed to the president of the Economy Commission, he warns that the arguments indicated to support the extension, They lack technical and scientific support.

“This proposal represents a threat in the fight against plastic pollution, which affects the health of the population and ecosystems, such as our seas and the species it harbors.”, indicates the communication.

The Production Commission met the day before but did not put the support of this bill on its agenda.

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