Traders, Manufacturers Protest Against Blanket Ban on Single-use Plastics

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The plastic bag traders and manufacturers staged protect against blanket ban on plastic bags. They urged the government to implement the proposed ban in a phased manner. Further, they have sought exemptions for certain categories of plastics.

The ban, if implemented, is likely to affect nearly 10,000 plastic manufacturing units in the country. Also, jobs of approximately 400,000 people may be impacted. As per estimates, there are nearly 50,000 plastic manufacturing units across the country. Almost 90% of them operate under Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The blanket ban is likely to heavily impact the FMCG, auto and infrastructure sectors.

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Further, the industry noted that there is no clarity on neither the deadline for the implementation of the ban nor on the items that may fall under the classification of single-use plastics. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released a list of 12 single-use plastic items that are to be banned initially. However, it remains silent on alternatives.

The plastic traders and manufacturers urged the government to have detailed consultations with the industry participants.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address to the nation, had decided to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags, cups and straws effective Oct. 2, 2019. The ban covers plastic bags, cups, plates, small bottles, straws and certain types of sachets.