The push to stop the use of plastics is gaining momentum.

Leading global companies like Coca Cola and Nestle plan to cut their dependence on plastics – especially single-use plastics – by 2025.

Now, a company in Fiji has decided to follow suit.

Pleass Global Limited, the proprietors of popular bottled water brand AquaSafe, has announced it will reduce the plastic in the packaging of the product.

The move is part of the company’s recently adopted sustainable action plan, says managing director Warwick Pleass.

“As part of the overall plan, we  want to reduce plastic used for production and waste,” Mr Pleass said.

“Some of our customers and consumers request plastic wrapping of our bottles of AquaSafe® and VaiWai® into six packs or 12 packs.

“Whilst these multi-packs are offered by many bottled water companies, we do not. We are also proud that our bottles use less plastic to make than all our competitors in Fiji.”

Mr Pleass does not believe the company’s sales or customers will be affected.

In any case, he says, the company is moving ahead.

Mr Pleass said: “To us there is no justification for making multi-packs and certainly no purpose for that plastic wrapper once it is torn off, and we believe most consumers understand this.”

Removing machines used to package the bottled from the company’s production line has come at a cost, he said.

“That was a cost to us because they were almost new and was supposed to work for many more years,” Mr Pleass said.

“There are no other costs and in fact a very, very small saving on the cost of that film and electricity and staff to run it. Overall it does contribute to the wider green economy.”

The United Nations recently declared a war on plastics, aiming to eliminate major sources of plastics by 2022.

They are concerned, among other things, with the impact plastics are having on the marine ecosystem.

According to UN statistics, more than 8 million tonnes of plastic leaks into the ocean each year.

In its campaign, the UN is urging Governments to plastic reduction policies that target industries to minimise plastic packaging and redesign products.

Last month, Assistant Minister Environment, Lorna Eden, said in Parliament that Government was considering a total ban on the use of plastics bags and straws in Fiji.

“Fiji, like many countries, has a littering problem,” Mr Pleass said.

“An important first step is for us to stop littering. Then we need to find ways to separate plastics from general waste and recycle it.

“We are encouraging our importers and manufacturers locally to invest in research and development so we are continually improving our products, reducing the amount of packaging and changing it to materials that can be fully recycled.”

Feedback:  sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj