The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has carried out the incineration of 20 tonnes of substandard packaging materials and carrier bags previously circulating in the Lake Zone, particularly in Mwanza Region.
The exercise was conducted on 17 February 2026 at the environmentally friendly incineration facility of Dangote Cement Factory in Mtwara Region.
Gift Ngowo, NEMC Southern Zone Manager, stated that the materials destroyed included low-quality plastic bags seized through joint operations with law enforcement and other authorities.
He emphasized that the initiative is part of a continuous effort to prevent non-compliant packaging from entering the market.
The destroyed consignment comprised 1,699 cartons, equivalent to 20 tonnes, Ngowo noted, highlighting the importance of maintaining compliance with packaging standards.
Ngowo urged business operators to refrain from producing, distributing, or selling unapproved packaging materials, underlining that such actions constitute a violation of the law.
Samuel Nyasani, Senior Environmental Officer for NEMC Lake Zone, added that the operation also serves as a message to dishonest traders.
“While certain packaging types are legally approved for industrial, hospital, and agricultural use, some actors exploit loopholes and violate regulations. This exercise demonstrates that such practices will not be tolerated,” he said.
The operation underscores NEMC’s ongoing commitment to enforcing packaging regulations, ensuring environmental safety, and promoting adherence to established standards.