Important Update On Plastic Ban In Maharashtra

Important Update on Plastic Ban in Maharashtra

21-Jun-18

The associations had a meeting of expert Committee on plastic ban in Maharashtra.

The deadline of 23rd June will be extended. The revised deadline will be communicated on 23rd June. Govt will issue a fresh notification. No coercive action will be taken until the final notification.

Points finalised are.

1). PET manufacturers to establish buyback and recycling mechanism. Retailers are required to buyback pet bottle to the extend of bottle sold by them.

2) Apparels / garments packed at manufacturing stage will be exempted

3) Plastic used for preserving and enhancing shelf life of food products are exempted

4) Plastic carry bags completely banned.

Important to note: that All the above are subject to recycling and buyback mechanisms and above 50 micron thickness.

Government is very adamant on buy back scheme on pet bottles.

They wanted to implement from 11th July. We have recommended to give some time of at least 2 months. They will decide and inform via notification soon. As for the rates of buy back we have been able to convince them that the mentioned 1/- and 2/- are not feasible and so they have asked for recommendation from one Dr. Kale From ICT.

He has initially proposed some recommendations like 10ps for below 300ml, 20ps for 300ml bottles am, 30ps for 500ml, 60ps for 1llit. and 90ps for 1.5lit. But we shall approach him and try to make it further reasonable if possible.

PP cups are completely banned as of now and look impossible to be considered.

PET cups have been proposed which may get approval in next meeting.

Shrink pack is allowed as it is integral part of packaging but will need some marking like manufacturer detail of shrink film and also brand owner And same has to be ensured that it is not littering.

All companies have been advised to get together and plan epr activity and buy back mechanism and any company not participating shall be immediately stopped upon complaint by any one. shrink labels are allowed and also shrink on 20 lit cap are allowed as they are integral part of packaging.

However proper system for collection of all such integral part plastics has to be implemented by companies to ensure zero littering.

Companies may enroll Ngo, scrap dealers, ragpickers as per their convenience..

All scrap dealers shall also be registered.

Notification shall be released soon on this so await the same to get 100% clarifications.

Source: AIPMA