Clarity on single-use plastic ban sought

The industry has requested the Center to issue clear guidelines pertaining to its plan to phase out single-use plastic by 2022. The uncertainty “has led to the closure of about 10,000 units and the plastic industry is staring at job losses of 4.5 lakh people ahead of the Diwali season,” said Jayesh Rambhia, co-chairman, All India Plastic Manufacturers Association.

Contrary to speculations, the government did not ban single-use plastic bags, small bottles, cups, plates, straws and certain types of sachets on October 2. Moreover, it also didn’t clarify the definition of SUPs. Instead, the Centre directed states to take action on October 2. However, different policies across states are fragmenting the Indian market, according to Rambhia.