Maharashtra government tweaks plastic usage

The Central government has imposed a ban on the manufacturing, distribution, sale, purchase, and use of all single-use plastics items made from fossil fuels effective July 1, 2022. Also, the ban is already in force on packaging materials below 75-micron thickness.

But, a recent notification issued by the Maharashtra government said, “In case the thickness of plastic sheets impair the functionality of the product, the packaging material may be used of less than 50-micron.”

The government of Maharashtra also allowed the production, trade, distribution, and use of single-use plastic (SUP) items made of compostable materials such as straws, plates, cups, glasses, forks, containers like bowls, etc. The manufacturers or sellers of SUP, however, made from compostable materials shall have to obtain a certificate from the Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the notification clarified.

Additionally, the government of Maharashtra has fixed the weight of non-woven polypropylene bags above 60 grams per square meter (GSM).