Food makers will have to take back plastic waste

A new rule drafted by the environment ministry will make it a must for food and beverage makers to collect used plastic bags and bottles by setting up collection mechanisms across the country.

A new rule drafted by the environment ministry will make it a must for food and beverage makers to collect used plastic bags and bottles by setting up collection mechanisms across the country.

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“Rules would be comprehensive to cover multi-layered plastic used for chips packets, beverage bottles, biscuit wrappers,” said a member of the panel for framing new rules to regulate plastics. This is in lieu of not imposing a complete ban on plastic for packaging consumer goods. The ministry is not in favour of such a ban.

Manufacturers, with help from municipal bodies, can either set up collection centres or give incentives to retailers to collect plastic waste.