TN bans use of plastic for packaging
In order to make Tamil Nadu free of discarded plastic, the government has withdrawn the exemption granted for use of plastic bags for packaging.
The announcement was made in a notification dated June 5, on World Environment Day which said plastic bags, used in any form for packaging purposes for food or processed items were no longer exempted from the plastic ban.
The government, in January 1, last year banned manufacture, storage, supply, transport, sale or distribution and use of certain throwaway items such as plastic sheet, plastic plate, plastic-coated tea and water cup, water pouch and packet, plastic straw, plastic carry bag, and plastic flag, irrespective of thickness.
But the announcement has made it clear that plastic carry bags manufactured exclusively for export purpose, plastic used to pack milk and carry bags made from compostable plastics are exempted. An officer from the Pollution Control Board said that the further use of plastic has been banned and the ways of implementing the ban are yet to be formulated.
The plastics that are exempted from the ban include plastics that constitute the integral part of packaging of any food or processed item and plastic bags and sheets used in Forestry and Horticulture nurseries,
The Chairman of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board too had in his communication to the State government in January this year stated that the "exemption for the plastic packaging of goods, which are sealed prior to use has not helped the State in achieving the goal of 'Plastic Pollution Free Tamil Nadu', despite the implementation of the ban."