Page 27 - Plastics News October 2024

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

years, a 100% reimbursement of state GST for ten
years, and exemption from duties on electricity sup-
ply. However, the total benefits cannot exceed 2%
of the company's investment over a decade. This
move is expected to generate significant employ-
ment, with each manufacturing unit providing over
2,000 jobs.

UP becomes the first Indian state to implement such
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath | PTI
a bio plastic policy, positioning itself as a leader in
encouraging sustainable startups in this sector.

In addition, the cabinet granted industry status to information technology (IT) and IT services. This
designation enables these sectors to purchase land at industrial rates and benefit from lower electric-
ity tariffs, leading to an estimated 18% savings on power costs. The move aims to boost UP's economy
and contribute to the state's goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy within the next five years.

The cabinet also approved the Higher Education Incentive Policy, which is designed to attract private
and foreign investments in higher education. This policy aims to modernize the state's education sys-
tem, aligning it with current market needs and reducing the outflow of students to other states for
higher studies.

Source:- The Week

Toxic Flame Retardants Found in Black Plastic

Kitchen Utensils and Toys

A
new study has found alarming levels of toxic flame retardants in black plastic products, includ-
ing children’s toys, kitchen utensils, and takeout containers. The study, conducted by Toxic-
Free Future and Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, highlights contamination in plastics due to the
recycling of electronic waste.

One of the most striking findings was in black plastic pirate coin beads, often worn by children, which
contained up to 22,800 parts per million (ppm) of flame retardants, according to Megan Liu, the
study's lead author. Other items, like a black plastic sushi tray, were found to have 11,900 ppm of deca-
bromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a flame retardant banned in 2021 by the U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency due to links to cancer and various health issues.

The study points out that flame retardants commonly used in electronic products are ending up in
consumer goods through improper recycling practices. The presence of these toxic chemicals is par-
ticularly concerning in food contact materials, such as black plastic spatulas and slotted spoons, which
could expose individuals to an estimated 34.7 ppm of decaBDE each day.

October 2024 PLASTICS NEWS 27