Why a ban on single-use plastics won’t help

Source: This post is based on the article “Why a ban on single-use plastics won’t help” published in the Indian Express on 22nd July 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environmental pollution and degradation.

Relevance: To understand the challenges associated with the Single-use plastic ban.

News: India’s ban on select single-use plastic(SUPs) items came into effect from July 1, 2022.

Why the ban won’t help in reducing plastic pollution?

The plastic packaging of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), which include sachets and packaging of products like chips, biscuits, and soap were excluded under the rules. So, the ban target only 2-3% of the total plastic produced.

What are the findings of various studies on plastic waste?

The global movement, Break Free From Plastic, in its brand audit in India in 2021, found that 70% of the plastic audited was marked with a clear consumer brand. The audit found that much of the plastic pollution was caused by products from the top brands.

The FICCI report describes the backward linkage in plastic production. This includes petroleum intermediate producers, resin and naphtha producers (both raw materials to plastic polymer), pre-packaging manufacturers, plant and machinery, mould and additive producers. Hence, a ban on FMCG packaging would have a significant impact on this entire chain.

What are the other concerns associated with the SUPs?

1) In 2015, a report by FICCI and strategy consultants report argued that banning FMCG packaging would affect the processed food industry to the tune of approximately Rs 90,000 crore per annum, amounting to 72% of the industry.

2) The 2021 Rules treat SUPs generated by FMCG and non-FMCGs differently.

What should be done to reduce plastic pollution?

The government should start re-envisioning the retail system. The focus should be on moving away from the use-and-throw economy to one which is designed for reusable and sustainable packaging.