Bidco's Vimal Shah challenges government to review plastic bags ban.
Bidco Africa Chairmal Vimal Shah addressing participants at the third Annual Private Sector Conference on Sustainable Inclusive Business on Friday at the USIU, Nairobi. |
Bidco Africa Chairman Vimal Shah has expressed his
reservations on last year’s ban on all plastic bags by the Kenyan government arguing
that the matter could have been handled better through proper engagement with
key stakeholders.
Speaking at the United States International University (USIU) during the
third Annual Private Sector Conference on Sustainable Inclusive Business on
Friday, Vimal challenged the government to put in place a robust policy and programme for
recycling instead of banning plastic bags and bottles.
The conference focuses on new economy, transformation and
future proof businesses and is organised by Sustainable Inclusive Business (SIBKenya) and the Kenya Private Sector
Alliance (KEPSA) with the
support of Dutch Embassy in Nairobi.
“By opting to recycle plastic carrier bags in place of
outright ban, we not only support industrialisation and creation of jobs, we
also create opportunities for people in the recycling business while making
affordable alternatives available to users,” said Vimal who also doubles up as KEPSA Trustee.
He added that the ban on plastic bags had led to the
emergence of alternatives whose real impact on the environment could be far
worse than imagined and could lead to destruction of forests as the demand for
paper carrier bags grew.
(See also: Bidco wins two prestigious awards at the EABC Business Excellence Awards.)
Former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, JP Balkenende called for a new global agenda that supported business growth, protected the planet from destruction and included people, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid.
Former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, JP Balkenende called for a new global agenda that supported business growth, protected the planet from destruction and included people, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid.
He urged countries and businesses to champion and practice
innovation, rule of law and build inclusive institutions that created shared
value for everyone.
“The role of companies has changed from merely doing
business to creating a sustainable world where the environment is protected and
businesses impact real people,” said Balkenende.
SIBKenya is currently championing the development of a new
economy where success is measured by the wellbeing of the people and
communities as well as the quality of the environment.
SIBKenya Coordinator, Karin Boomsma said that this required
a paradigm shift among the business community that will in turn deliver a new
economy and future proof businesses.
“It is all about good business DNA that grows the 3Ps (People,
Planet and Profit). Business is the
biggest driving force behind any country’s economy. They are (often) flexible,
agile and smart with a strong desire to be sustainable. This is the perfect
combination to create big social and environmental impact,” said Boomsma.
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