Usage of plastic for packaging

The Plastic usage in India has been increasingly under scanner, because of visible pollution created by uncollected post-consumer waste. The backlash has been aggravated by global anti-plastic sentiments, resulting in rapid consumption of plastic mainly for packaging which provides functionality for a short time before it becomes waste and ends up in landfills and oceans affecting the ecosystem. The anti-plastic tsunami has resulted in the prologue of strict regulations by State and Central Government. This new law has banned several single-use plastic products, to tackle the issue of post-consumer plastic waste. This has resulted in sourcing solutions for large corporate on what should be used as an alternative to plastic.

List of banned items:
1. Less than 200 ml of drinking water PET bottles
2. Plastic Mineral water pouch
3. Plastic bags (with/without handle)
4. One time use / Single-use disposable items made up of thermocol or plastic
5. Disposable dish/bowl used for packaging foods in hotels and straw
6. Use of plastic and thermocol for decorative packaging

To achieve the environmental goal of reducing plastic pollution, various solutions are being recommended by industry experts. With the changing law, various products have emerged which have reduced cost in procurement.

Below are a few recommendations on how to reduce plastic pollution-
Stopping single-use Plastics packaging:
Phasing out and banning of specific products/ groups of products is being considered. This step is a big part of the business. e.g.
• Convenience for user
• Social Impact
• Commercial impact
• Consumer Preference and affordability

Environment Regulations:
Government regulations are being imposed on the usage of plastic. Such regulations demand the plastic using industry to invest actively in:
• Adequate infrastructure facilities for proper waste management.
• Ensuring effective implementation of Regulatory guidelines
• Conducting various awareness programs to educate the members regarding environmental compliance.
• Setting up direction to help them fulfill their environmental legislation.

Recycling:
This is the most effective solution. But at the same time, this needs a high level of self-discipline & planning:
• Recycling facility management.
• Land for setting up Recycling Facility.
• Funding to encourage recycling.
• To develop a better collection mechanism.
• Promote various recycling programs and workshops.
• Conduct awareness programs for waste minimization, resource optimization etc.

These new restrictions and regulations are increasingly being enforced.
To serve this purpose, our procurement professionals have come up with an alternative packaging solution. With that, we have minimized the use of plastic and now our alternative packing solution is jute. It is extremely sturdy and is highly durable, it is 100% biodegradable, and is easily recyclable. It also causes no harm to the environment. We believe that it is our duty to protect our environment and a small step can also make a huge difference to save our planet. Our consultants in the field of purchase, supply chain & packaging are already geared up to support the industry towards quick & cost-effective adoption of alternative packaging.
Also, this will help to reduce cost in procurement & alternate materials sourcing and substitution.