The plastic ban will have an impact on the operations of two local liquor companies with one indicating that it will temporarily halt production.

Skyline Boom Vodka told the Samoa Observer that it will temporarily stop production to adjust their machines, while Niu Vodka remains concerned at the impact of the ban on retail prices. 

Taitu’uga Tupa’i Reupena, who is a manager (engineering and production) for Skyline Boom Vodka, told the Samoa Observer that they will temporarily halt production in order to make adjustments to their machinery. 

“We have got four products running right now and they are all produced and exported in plastic.

“All of our equipment right now is for our plastic production, so once that ban is enforced and all, we’re going to stop production until we get our new equipment,” he said. 

Chad Rankin of Niu Vodka said the ban will have a ripple effect on their customers, especially in terms of their products’ retail price.

 “Regarding the plastic ban, I think at the end of the day, our consumers are going to suffer. 

“We are going to start to bring in the glass bottles which will obviously be more expensive.

“On top of the rise of excise tax, cost of production will rise too due to the glass bottle. Like I said, it is the consumer that’s going to suffer,” he added.

While the change will be a challenge for the company, Mr. Rankin said they will not cease production, in response to the new plastic ban.

Boom Vodka is also going ahead with plans to expand its production line, despite the challenges posed by the plastic ban, according to Mr. Reupena. These include the use of a new 24-acre land for a bigger factory. 

“With our new land we’re looking forward to our new and bigger factory, and when new equipment arrives, we will resume production as well as expanding our production line to nonu products,” he added.