New Delhi The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has issued a circular to all e-commerce companies, street vendors, retailers, stockists, local shopkeepers and commercial establishments regarding the elimination of Single Use Plastic (SUP).
The circular issued guidelines including ensuring zero list of banned SUP items. The ban on SUP is effective from July 1, 2022.
With effect from December 31, 2022, carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic shall have a thickness of not less than 75 mm and 120 µm. Plastic sheets that are not an integral part of multi-layered packaging and covers made of plastic sheets are used. For packaging, the wrapping of the commodity shall not be less than fifty microns in thickness, except where the thickness of the plastic sheet affects the functionality of the product,” the circular said.
The circular states that no plastic material, including Vinyl Acetate – Malic Acid – Vinyl Chloride Copolymer, should be used for storage, packing or sale of Pan Masala, Gutka and Tobacco.
“Plastics industry is one of the large sectors of India, which is not only labour-intensive, but also involves huge capital expenditure (CAPEX) in terms of plant and machinery, and employment opportunities and contributes significantly to the exchequer of the country . Jigish Doshi, President, PlastIndia Foundation said, “These business units manufacturing single/standalone products which fall under the restricted category will face unprecedented situation in terms of economic and financial issues.”
In order to comply with the provisions, the stakeholders involved under the Plastic Waste Management Rules have been directed not to supply plastic raw material to the producers in the formal/informal sector engaged in the production of banned SUP items. The circular said, “All manufacturers of plastic raw materials should ensure that the suppliers/stockists/dealers and other entities engaged in the supply chain of the industry do not supply plastic raw materials to the producers engaged in the production of banned SUP items.” ”
In case of non-compliance, strict action will be taken against defaulters including shutdown of the unit, disconnection of electricity and water connections and imposition of fine. This comes in the backdrop of the enforcement of the ban on July 1, 2022 by the Environment Ministry and the formation of a special task force to check any illegal manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of banned SUP items across the country.
Mint has earlier reported that MSMEs have earlier requested the government to implement the ban to allow a smooth transition to the alternative.
“These manufacturers need to be protected by the government by supporting them in terms of policy as well as financial incentives. One of the policy guidelines is probably to give manufacturing units some more time so that they can comply with the supplementary order with financial support from the government across the country. Industry and society will need viable alternatives to single use plastic products. Whereas for plastic carry bags, it is only a matter of increasing the thickness to 120 microns, but finding alternatives for plastic plates and cutlery will be a challenge unless the thickness of these items is to be recyclable/recyclable is extended. To achieve the desired objective, we will need to make significant investments in R&D and innovative technology to develop alternative products, which will take some time. Waste pickers do not have the technology or have not been given enough incentive to collect small plastic waste like straw etc. Hence, the need of the hour is a waste management solution and recycling technology that ensures proper collection and recycling of plastic waste. The waste pickers who play a vital role in this process should also be given proper incentives. There is a need to establish waste management solutions and recycling technologies.”
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Tuesday said it has written to Yadav to push back the ban by a year. MSMEs have warned that the ban could lead to a halt in swab manufacturing in India, threatening around 3,000 MSMEs and 15,000 jobs.