Alert! These Single-Use Plastic Items Will Be Banned from July 1

On June 18, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a government organization under the Ministry of Environment, announced a list of steps to prohibit designated Single-Use Plastic goods by June 30, 2022

According to the new circular, a ban on single-use plastic goods with poor usefulness and high littering potential will be implemented on July 1, 2022. Single-use plastic goods will be prohibited from being manufactured, imported, stocked, distributed, sold, or used.

The following items are to be banned from July 1, 2022.

• Plastic Sticks: earbuds with plastic sticks, balloon sticks, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice cream sticks, and polystyrene (Thermocol) for decorating.

• Plates, cups, glasses, plastic cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straws, and trays.

• Wrapping or packaging films around candy boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packs.

• Other items: Plastic or PVC banners with a thickness of fewer than 100 microns, stirrers.

Furthermore, SPCB and PCCs have been directed to alter or withdraw authorization to operate provided under the air or water legislation to companies engaged in prohibited SUP manufacturing.

Aside from the actions listed above, the CPCB issued directives to e-commerce enterprises that are leading single-use plastic sellers or users, as well as plastic raw material producers, regarding the phase-out of designated single-use plastic goods.

As the deadline for a statewide ban on single-use plastic approaches, beverage producers and industry organizations have once again petitioned the government to allow for the gradual phase-out of plastic straws in small packs of juice, fizzy drink, and milk-based beverage.

Companies said the ban's implementation on July 1 will present various obstacles, including supply limits and arranging for replacement goods, such as imported paper straws, as well as pricing increases. According to the Action Alliance for Recycling Beverage Cartons (AARC), which includes Coca-Cola India, PepsiCo India, Parle Agro, Dabur, Diageo, and Radico Khaitan, the initiative might cost the industry 3,000 crores in sales.