Page 7 - Plastics News May 2021

THE PRESIDENT SAYS SAYS
THE PRESIDENT

Working Towards SUP and PWM Rules

AIPMA along with more than 10 state plastic associations presented its inputs & suggestions to Shri. Piyush
Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry & Shri. Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Minister of Environment,
Forest & Climate Change, on the subject of Single Use Plastics & PWM Rules 2021.
After the release of the Plastic Waste Management notification 2021 & with the potential nation-wide
ban on various single use and other plastic products, those associated with the industry and millions of
livelihoods will be put to risk. It would also impact the consumer choices, costs, health and hygiene. The
ban is also expected to hit more than 10-15 lakh jobs and closure of large number of manufacturing units.

The government of India has proposed amendments with the objective of phasing out Single Use Plastic
products over a period of time. The proposed amendments are likely to disrupt functioning of units
engaged in production of such items.

Even though AIPMA is aligned to the idea of Swacch Bharat, but the Plastic Waste Management Rules
declared will certainly bring unprecedented disruptions for units engaged in manufacturing of the
various products highlighted in the notification. Chandrakant Turakhia
AIPMA along with more than 10 plastic association heads got a chance to directly interact with Shri.
Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry & Shri. Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Minister of
Environment, Forest & Climate Change & put forward the plastic industry’s perspective and additional
challenges on the recently released PWM rules 2021 and the associated Singe Use Plastic ban.

Facts and figures about the industry size, revenue generation, economic contribution to the country’s
GDP, employment generation etc. were put forward in front of the ministers to make them familiar
with the output of the discussed sector. Issues and challenges associated with the list of the items
suggested to be banned under SUP were presented and discussed in detail & the ministry was requested
to think over the decision again.
The ministers have assured rethinking on certain notifications and take decisions best suitable for the
industry as well as the environment.

Following are the highlights of other major AIPMA activities in the month of April 2021:
• AIPMA organized a very valuable 3-Day workshop on “SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT” on 23rd, 24th and 30th
of April 2021. Various processes across the enterprise were put to the test during COVID-19. Six
Sigma during lockdown helped us ensure a seamless shift to digital servicing and aided us to be on
top when the situation changed day to day. With experience, green belts demonstrate proficiency
in the core statistical tools for applying them for positive financial impact and customer benefits.
The workshop helped the attendees to gain understanding of the origin, need and relevance of
lean six sigma, perform data analysis, sustain the improvement initiative and roll it out across
the organizations etc.

• A meeting was organized by the Central Pollution Control Board with regard to SOP for Registration
of Producers, Importers & Brand-Owners (PIBOs) under provision of Plastic Waste Management
Rules 2016. AIPMA presented their set of important suggestions and recommendations to the board
on the topic of discussion. On behalf of its members, AIPMA also requested clarifications with
respect to draft SOP guidelines that If a company pays money to a ULB for their infrastructure
development would that be considered in lieu of their EPR obligations or will they have to pay
the money & also discharge their EPR liabilities?

Chandrakant Turakhia

president@aipma.net

7 May 2021 Plastics News