In an effort to tame the ever increasing plastic wastes in India, the government on Tuesday banned packaging of foodstuffs in recycled plastics or compostable plastics.
In a notification issued here India’s Environment Ministry also banned the use of plastics for packaging gutka and other tobacco products. On 2nd February, India’s Apex court Supreme Court had refused to grant more time to the Centre for implementing the law to regulate the use of plastic for packaging tobacco products and asked it to notify that within two days.
“These Rules have been brought out following detailed discussions and consultations with a wide spectrum of stakeholders including civil society, industry bodies, relevant central government Ministries and state governments,” the Ministry said. Under the new Rules, recycled carry bags shall conform to specific Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
“Plastic carry bags shall either be white or only with those pigments and colourants which are in conformity with the bar prescribed by the BIS. This shall apply expressly for pigments and colourants to be used in plastic products which come in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water.
The new rules say that plastic carry bags shall not be less than 40 microns in thickness. Under the earlier rules, the minimum thickness was 20 microns. According to the new rules, the minimum size (of 8x12 inches) for the plastic carry bags prescribed under the earlier Rules has been dispensed with.
“Carry bags can be made from compostable plastics provided they conform to BIS standards,” it said. One of the major provisions under the new rules is the explicit recognition of the role of waste pickers.
“The new rules require the municipal authority to constructively engage agencies or groups working in waste management including these waste pickers. This is the very first time that such a special dispensation has been made,” the Ministry said.
“Plastic carry bags shall either be white or only with those pigments and colourants which are in conformity with the bar prescribed by the BIS. This shall apply expressly for pigments and colourants to be used in plastic products which come in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water.
The new rules say that plastic carry bags shall not be less than 40 microns in thickness. Under the earlier rules, the minimum thickness was 20 microns. According to the new rules, the minimum size (of 8x12 inches) for the plastic carry bags prescribed under the earlier Rules has been dispensed with.
“Carry bags can be made from compostable plastics provided they conform to BIS standards,” it said. One of the major provisions under the new rules is the explicit recognition of the role of waste pickers.
“The new rules require the municipal authority to constructively engage agencies or groups working in waste management including these waste pickers. This is the very first time that such a special dispensation has been made,” the Ministry said.
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