Page 10 - Plastics News June 2018

AipmA At work

AIPMA bags award from UNEP for ‘World’s largest Beach Cleanup’

he All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association
T(AIPMA) was awarded for its contribution in
‘World’s largest Beach Cleanup’ by United Nations
Environment Program (UNEP). AIPMA has always
felt that Marine Debris is a global issue and hence
participated actively in Versova Beach Cleanup
Project. Mr. Erik Solheim (Executive Director, UNEP)
and Mr. Aaditya Thackeray (President, Yuva Sena)
presented the award to Mr. Hiten Bheda President,
AIPMA.

AIPMA has worked hard for the Versova beach
cleanup and have contributed in many ways to turn
the Beach from Fealty to Fabulous. The UNEP has
appreciated the efforts of AIPMA and hence have
awarded them for their outstanding contribution
in the Versova Beach Cleanup. AIPMA has always opposed littering strongly and have encouraged projects like Versova
Beach Cleanup.

Mr. Akhilesh Bhargava (Environment Committee Chairman, AIPMA) while talking during the event appealed to Mumbaikars
to deposit their Plastic Waste in Plastic Waste Bank (A Waste collection system which was inaugurated during the event).
The Plastic Industry has also arranged a Bobcat S650 for the Cleanup process which has the capacity to clean up the
beach alone. The Boats arranged by Plastic Industry were also inaugurated during this event. Using these boats, Divers
will take plunge into the ocean to collect Marine Debris from the bottom of the ocean.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and India had hosting the World Environment Day (WED) this year. The
celebration was kicked off from Versova Beach on Sunday, 27th May, 2018 with this event.

Current Status of Maharashtra Plastics Ban

he Government of Maharashtra introduced “Maharashtra AIPMA conducted various meetings with government
TPlastic and Thermocol Products” Notification 2018 on officials to make them aware about the problems plastic
23rd March 2018. This notification imposed ban on the industry will face to a ban of such magnitude. AIPMA also
manufacture, usage, transport, distribution, wholesale filed a petition against this unfair notification in the high
& retail sale and storage, import of the plastic bags with court where a relief for 3 months was offered by the
handle and without handle, and the disposable products high court. This relief will end on 23rd of June, 2018 and
manufactured from plastic & thermocol (polystyrene) such the government can start taking action on consumer end
as single use disposable dish, cups, plates, glasses, fork, after this date.
bowl, container, disposable dish/ bowl used for packaging Government has also formed a TASK FORCE and EXPERT
food in hotels, spoon, straw, non-woven polypropylene COMMITTEE who will listen to problems of Plastic Industry
bags, cups/ pouches to store liquid, packaging with plastic and will address them. So far, the 1st meeting of expert
to wrap or store the products, packaging of food items committee has been conducted where inputs from plastic
and food grain material, PETE and PET bottles, etc. in the industry were taken and the second meeting of expert
whole state of Maharashtra.
committee is scheduled on 20th June, 2018 at 3.30 pm
An amendment to this notification was released by the at CM war room. The next hearing of the petition filed
Government on the 11th of April 2018, which ruled out by AIPMA in the high court is also scheduled on 23rd of
PETE and PET bottles out of ban. After the said notification, June, 2018.

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