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The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, via a notification1 dated February 4th, 2022, has reiterated and publicized the complete ban on the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of single use plastic (SUP) items included plastic straws. The ban comes into effect from July 01, 2022.
The ban on single use plastics and plastic straws emanates from the 2021 amendment to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 20162. The said amendment added a new rule3 that stipulates prohibition on manufacture, import, stocking, sale and distribution of the following single use plastics, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities:
Under the rules, the Central Pollution Control Board, along with respective state Pollution Control Boards, have been entrusted with the responsibility to monitor the ban, identification of the violators and imposition of penalties as given under the relevant provisions of Environment Protection Act, 1986. They have also been directed to ensure zero inventory of the aforementioned items by June 30, 2022.
Impact of the ban can be analysed from two different perspectives, based on its probable effect on the following:
This ban presents with itself a spectrum of new possibilities, beneficial in the long run and disruptive in the short run.
On one hand, it will have an immediate disruptive effect on the packaging and manufacturing industries. They will be forced to look for short-term import-based green alternatives. The added costs of such alternatives will cut their way through the pockets of the end consumer. However, this also represents a golden opportunity for said industries, MSMEs, and the startup ecosystem to come up with innovative, and environment-friendly ideas to navigate through this situation. Use and manufacture of bio-degradable, non-toxic alternatives of plastic may gain mainstream recognition and acceptance. The ban is also short in the arm of India's intended contribution toward sustainable development and cutting down on its carbon footprint.
A diligent and efficient ban on SUP, thus, could be a game-changer with a considerable impact on the lifestyle and consumption habits of Indians and the environment & ecology of India.
1 No. F. No. B- 17011/7/PWM/2022
2 CG-DL-E-12082021-228947, The Gazette of India, August 12, 2021
4 Single-use plastic: Problems and alternatives, TERI, https://www.teriin.org/infographics/single-use-plastic-problems-and-alternatives (last visited Jun 13, 2022).
For further information please contact at S.S Rana & Co. email: info@ssrana.in or call at (+91- 11 4012 3000). Our website can be accessed at www.ssrana.in
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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