Page 56 - Plastics News January 2022

IN THE NEwS

Thiruvanathapuram Implements Ban On Delhi Plans To Phase

Single-Use Plastics This Month Out SUP In 2022

he Delhi
Tgovernment
plans to phase
out single-use
plastic such as
bags, cutlery ,
films, banners,
wrappers in three
phases next year,
beginning with
thermocol and plastic sticks used with
balloons, flags and candy, according to
its draft alternatives to single-use plastic
fter several failed attempts in be strictly enforced due to the Covid policy. According to the policy, the
Athe past, Thiruvananthapuram situation,” said grade 1 health inspector first phase was to be implemented in
corporation is taking steps to implement Biju B P of the city corporation. Hence, January 1. However, that seems unlikely
a ban on single-use plastics and other a meeting was called by the corporation since the policy is yet to be approved
disposable items which will come into with various stakeholders such as by the Cabinet. The second phase,
effect from January 15. As an initial street vendors’ association, hotel and planned from July, 2022, is aimed
step, the corporation has already started restaurant association and textiles before at phasing out plastic cutlery (cups,
creating awareness against the use of implementing the plastic ban. “During plates, knives, forks and glasses), plastic
single-use plastic items especially by the meeting, the hotel owners’ and street wrapping and packing films, invitation
hotels and restaurants. However, street vendors’ associations raised concerns cards, cigarette packets, plastic stirrers
vendors and restaurant owners are in a about the lack of alternatives to plastic. and banners that are less than 100
fix as customers prefer to be served in As a result, an expo featuring plastic microns in thickness, the plan shows.
disposable plates, cups and containers alternatives was held so that they could In phase three, according to the policy,
due to the prevailing pandemic use these options. Even the use of steel non-woven bags below 240 microns
situation. Encouraging the use of other boxes was encouraged to give parcels to in thickness will be banned from
environment-friendly alternatives, the the customers. Hence, the next step is to September 30, 2022 onwards. Senior
city corporation recently held a three- implement the ban on single-use plastics environment department officials
day exhibition at Putharikandam Maidan and disposable items from January 15. involved in framing the policy said
in the capital city. Speaking about the For this, an action plan has already been the document will be shared with all
implementation of the plastic ban, prepared. Similarly, from December this government departments “within
the corporation officials highlighted year, the permissible thickness of plastic the next fortnight” for suggestions
that although single-use plastic has bags will be increased to 120 microns,” and comments before being tabled
been banned several times, it made said the health inspector. Haritha in the cabinet meeting. “Suggestions
a reappearance, especially due to the Keralam Mission district coordinator and feedback will be collected from
pandemic, and is being extensively used Humayoon D said, “Although the each department, and after updating
now. “Last year, the Union environment single-use plastic has been banned for a the plan, we will table it before the
ministry had notified the Plastic Waste long time, it is being widely used due to cabinet. The financial outlay for the
Management Amendment Rules, 2021 the pandemic situation. Since customers plan to phase out plastic items will be
and increased the permissible thickness also prefer to be served in disposable calculated once the policy is finalised,”
of the plastic bags from 50 microns cups and plates, the plastic ban should said an environment official on the
to 75 which came into effect from be implemented once the alternatives condition of anonymity.
September 2021. However, it couldn’t are made available.

56 PLASTICS NEWS JANUARY 2022