Page 28 - Plastics News Issue March 2024

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

Marc Schmidt, Managing Director and Partner at BCG Singapore, underscores the urgency of tackling plastic waste
leakage, advocating for the scaling and replication of effective solutions and inviting local developers to utilize the
playbooks as a foundation for further initiatives.

Source:
(https://www.recyclingtoday.com/news/alliance-end-plastic-waste-singapore-recycling-recommendations-household-
sorting/#:~:text=The%20Singapore%2Dbased%20Alliance%20to,source%20separation%20of%20recyclable%20
plastic.)
Central Pollution Control Board Implements Enhanced Security Measures for EPR Portal Users

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently convened a session to discuss heightened security measures for
user onboarding on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal. Aimed at enhancing account integrity and data
security, several key protocols were delineated. These include mandatory password changes every 45 days, password
history restrictions, and the implementation of two-step authentication for email and mobile number modifications.
Additionally, OTP verification will be mandatory for password resets, and accounts will be locked after three unsuccessful
login attempts. Captcha will be deployed to deter automated bot attacks, and certificates will be temporarily disabled
after account updates for validation purposes. Unique email and mobile IDs will be required during registration to
prevent duplicate accounts, and OTP verification will be mandatory for certificate generation. These robust security
measures are designed to safeguard the EPR Portal, ensuring data accuracy and workflow efficiency while providing
users with clear guidelines for navigating the enhanced security protocols.

IMO agrees new guidance for safe transport of plastic pellets on ships

In a concerted effort to safeguard marine ecosystems from plastic pellet pollution, the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) is taking proactive steps to regulate their transportation on ships. Following discussions at the IMO's
Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 11), held from 19 to 23 February at IMO Headquarters in
London, draft recommendations and guidelines have been formulated.

The proposed recommendations for transporting plastic pellets via sea freight containers emphasize the importance of
robust packaging to prevent spillage and proper stowage techniques to minimize environmental risks. These measures,
aimed at preventing pellet spills, are slated for urgent consideration and approval by the Marine Environment Protection
Committee (MEPC 81) in March 2024.

Additionally, draft clean-up guidelines have been outlined to aid in the management of pellet spills, offering practical
strategies for national and site-specific responses. While awaiting formal approval at MEPC 82 in October, member
states are encouraged to proactively implement these guidelines.

Beyond plastic pellet regulation, PPR 11 delved into various environmental concerns, including black carbon emissions
in the Arctic, biofouling guideline implementation, discharge water management, sewage treatment plant optimization,
and lost fishing gear reporting. These discussions underscore the IMO's commitment to tackling multifaceted maritime
environmental challenges.
Source:-

(https://imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Pages/WhatsNew-2043.aspx#:~:text=The%20draft%20recommendations%20
for%20the,loadings%20normally%20encountered%20during%20transport)

DO YOU KNOW?
Plastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can leach out and potentially harm human health. EDCs act

28 PLASTICS NEWS March 2024