Status Quo is Not an Option

Historically, plastic polymers were put to use for packaging applications due to their low cost, light weight, their impervious nature to moisture and the different shapes into which they could be moulded.

- SUNEEL PANDEY

The idea was to reduce the use of paper in packaging as it was made using forest resources and hence, added to deforestation pressures.

Subsequently, what happened with the overuse of this wonder material is known to everyone. In its end-of-life stage, it became one of the most littered items globally as most countries lacked proper waste segregation, collection and recycling infrastructure. Due to its low weight, it was not attractive for waste collectors to pick up and process for recycling.

The littered waste found its way to water bodies and waste-disposal sites, causing choking of drains, pollution of water bodies and landfill fires. Research also shows that the littered waste in river systems drains into coastal waters and eventually contributes to marine litter.

Further, around 80% of marine litter is plastic waste. Marine litter has become one of the major reasons for the degradation of marine flora and fauna, including corals.

Tightening Rules

In India, to combat the problems of littering and safe use of plastic packaging, the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules were introduced as far back as 2011. Subsequently, in 2016, the rules were revised and almost every year since then, they have been amended to facilitate collection and recycling of plastic waste.