The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria MAN has warned against illegal recycling of beverage packaging materials. The association said the practice damages businesses and weakens industrial operations.
Recently, the Nigeria Police Force raided several illegal recycling facilities in Onitsha, Anambra State. Officers reportedly discovered factories destroying returnable glass bottles and plastic beverage crates.
Authorities conducted the operation after intelligence linked the factories to illegal packaging destruction. Investigators also confirmed that criminals sold the crushed materials as raw industrial inputs.
MAN described the activity as economic sabotage targeting legitimate beverage manufacturers. According to the association, companies invest heavily in sustainable packaging systems.
These returnable bottles and crates remain company-owned assets designed for repeated reuse cycles. Therefore, destroying them directly disrupts the industry’s circular packaging model.
MAN’s Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, praised security agencies for dismantling the illegal operations. He noted that authorities acted after manufacturers provided credible intelligence.
Furthermore, member companies had earlier reported massive losses from stolen packaging materials. Some illegal operators allegedly diverted these materials into informal recycling networks.
Investigations also revealed that several factories intentionally broke reusable bottles. Others shredded plastic crates before selling them as recycled raw materials.
Consequently, beverage companies lost millions of naira in valuable packaging investments. The illegal trade also increases operational costs across the beverage supply chain.
Moreover, unsafe recycling practices create environmental and safety risks for nearby communities. MAN therefore urged stronger enforcement against illegal recycling networks nationwide.
The association also encouraged government agencies to intensify monitoring across industrial zones. Such measures would protect businesses and promote responsible manufacturing practices.
Finally, MAN urged the public to report suspicious recycling activities to authorities. Increased vigilance, the group noted, will help safeguard Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
