Members of the public are being urged to make written submissions on the motion tabled in Parliament for a ban on some plastic packaging materials and styrofoam.

The multi-sector Working Group on Plastic Packaging Materials is also urging stakeholders in the plastics and styrofoam industry who are opposed to the ban to come forward and outline their concerns.

The deadline for all submissions is next Friday.

Chairman of the working group, Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee Jnr says the response from the public will provide a better understanding of the issue from both sides

He says the responses will enable the group to reach what he described as the most balanced decision.

Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee says the group does not want to recommend the implementation of a ban that cannot be enforced or one that will face pushback from industry stakeholders.

The working group was set up by Cabinet in March in response to a motion tabled by Senator Matthew Samuda, calling for a ban on plastic bags with a capacity of less than 50 gallons and on styrofoam.