The state government has decided to give some relief to plastic manufacturers and packagers by allowing the use of bubble plastic material, but they are not very happy.
It has amended the Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Products (Manufacture, Usage, Sale, Transport, Handling and Storage) notification 2018. And the amendment recognises bubble plastic material used for wrapping as an integral part of the manufacturing industry.
Earlier the state had banned this sort of plastic. But the plastic and manufacturing industry asked for an amendment so retail businesses dealing in gadgets and readymade packing materials do not get hampered.
"The condition is the bubble plastic material be made up of a minimum 20% recycle materials. It should be printed with manufacturer details such as type of plastic with code, number and buyback price. Besides, the associations which are involved in this manufacturing and selling business need to be come together and create a buyback mechanism. It should be implemented with their extended producers' responsibility (EPR) plan," states the amended notification.
It also asks the associations to coordinate and collaborate with ragpickers, scrap traders and retailers for collection of bubble plastic waste, which has to be be recycled as per a disposal plan.
But local players are unhappy. Sanjay Shah, president of the All India Plastic Association, said the amendment is of no help to most plastic sellers and users. "Who uses bubble plastic? Not even 10% of the people use it. It is used for imported and highly priced electronic gadgets. If imported manufacturers are allowed to use any sort of plastic, then not Indian? We demand another amendment to this notification," said Shah.
Plastic sellers say that while the state demands that EPR-registered plastic be used, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, which issues EPR, has not yet issued it for anyone. "Also, the govt should clear its stand. Plastic used for wrapping imports is allowed, but not the local kind. This has to to be stopped. There should be fair play," a seller said.
Confusion Prevails Over Use
- Plastic sellers say that while the state demands that EPR-registered plastic be used, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, which issues EPR, has not yet issued it for anyone
- ‘Also, the govt should clear its stand. Plastic used for wrapping imports is allowed, but not the local kind. This has to to be stopped. There should be fair play,’ a seller said
