Coimbatore: The plastic ban implemented in Tamil Nadu from January 1, 2019 has certainly triggered unclarity and disapproval among local traders who point fingers at big brands who unreservedly use banned plastic materials of their choice to pack their goods.
Coimbatore: The plastic ban implemented in Tamil Nadu from January 1, 2019 has certainly triggered unclarity and disapproval among local traders who point fingers at big brands who unreservedly use banned plastic materials of their choice to pack their goods.
Perhaps, the circuitous list of 'banned' and 'permitted' materials authenticated by the State government has left the traders and plastic manufacturers puzzled as alternatives to banned products are unavailable in the market.
"Even before we could come to an understanding on the nature of banned products and the alternatives available, the City Corporation Officials have commenced raiding shops to seize banned plastic packaging materials and impose fine", lament traders from the City.
In the wake of this, the Coimbatore District Plastic Manufacturers Association (C PLASMA) has raised a petition to the Corporation Commissioner alleging that "In the name of seizing banned plastic items, the Corporation officials are seizing the primary packing material from small retailers which are actually exempted from the banned list".
Elaborating on this V.K.Balu, President of C PLASMA said, "Primary packing material has been exempted from the banned list of products. However, during raids at small and medium enterprises, the officials seize everything that is made of plastic".
He also questioned as to why non-adherence to plastic ban by big brands/outlets are disregarded. Alleging that popular sweet brand, Sri Krishna Sweets have been using secondary packaging plastic covers for primary packaging, the President of C PLASMA demanded an unbiased action by the officials.
The petition also mentions on usage of compostable carry bags at Pongalur Sri Annapoorni sweets in their Saravanampatty Branch.
Pointing that apart from environmental hazards, plastic covers especially those used to pack hot gravies and sambar could lead to severe health issues, C PLASMA queried how low density polyethylene covers coated with aluminum and polyester are permitted by the food safety officials?
The President of C PLASMA recalled the meeting held by P. Amudha, Commissioner of Food safety and drug Administration at District Collectorate during which she clarified that only aluminum foils are permissible for food packaging. And, plastic bags/covers coated with aluminum outside are not permissible.
"However, most of the food packaging happens through banned plastic covers coated with aluminum", he noted.
Disclosing that Adyar Anand Bhavan has been using polythene bags laminated with paper and claiming it as eco-friendly paper bags.
He added that "The so-called paper bags has plastic in it and we can prove it".
The President of C PLASMA also questioned as to how can a paper bag be sealed with a sealing machine?
When questioned about these shocking allegations to CCMC Commissioner, K.VijayaKarthikeyan, he denied them.
He further clarified that "Irrespective of big or small, CCMC officials are raiding to curb usage of banned plastic materials at all five zones. However, the corporation will look into these complaints by C PLASMA and rectify the same immediately".
When contacted Sri Krishna Sweets on the allegation of packaging material, a senior PR department official said "Our group has always adhered to government rules and regulations. Sri Krishna sweets has always been willing to adopt environment friendly measures. If there are any complaints, we are very much willing to rectify".