Page 62 - Plastics News September 2026

IN THE NEWS

Tamilnadu Bans Plastic Food Service In Hospitals

erators comply with
the directive. The move
also seeks to strength-
en awareness among
patients, attendants,
hospital staff and visi-
tors about reducing
plastic waste. The ban
marks another step to-
wards making govern-
ment hospitals cleaner
and more environmen-
tally responsible. Ac-
cording to the Minister
amil Nadu Health Minister K.G. Arunraj has Government hospitals
announced a state-wide ban on serving serve large numbers of patients and their at-
Tfood using plastic materials in all govern- tendants every day, generating significant quan-
ment hospitals, as part of efforts to reduce sin- tities of food-related waste. Replacing dispos-
gle-use plastic consumption and promote safer, able plastic serving materials with reusable or
more sustainable practices in healthcare facili- environmentally friendly alternatives could help
ties. Under the new directive, single-use plastic reduce this waste and support cleaner hospi-
items and other plastic materials used for serv- tal premises. The announcement is in line with
ing food will no longer be permitted within gov- Tamil Nadu’s broader efforts to curb single-use
ernment hospital premises. The measure will ap- plastics and encourage sustainable waste-man-
ply across government hospitals in the state and agement practices. The government’s focus on
is aimed at encouraging alternatives to plastic in public healthcare institutions could also provide
routine food distribution. a model for reducing plastic use in other public
facilities.
The Health Department is expected to ensure
that hospitals, canteens and food-service op-

66 PLASTICS NEWS September 2026