The Microscopic Threat: Regulating Micron Plastic Limits

Plastic remains a threat to the environment as it can remain in the soil for years, entering the food chain and affecting organisms and soil fertility. The strength of plastic depends on its thickness, so the minimum thickness of plastic bags is regulated by governments to reduce the effects of plastic on the environment. For example, in India, the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, defined carry bags as bags made from plastic material or compostable plastic material, used to carry or dispense commodities which have a self-carrying feature. The rules urged manufacturers to shift from a 40-micron thickness to a 50-micron thickness.

Plastic waste management rules

In 2022, India banned the manufacture, sale, and use of identified single-use plastic items, including plastic carry bags. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, define carry bags as "bags made from plastic material or compostable plastic material, used to carry or dispense commodities which have a self-carrying feature." The Rules urged plastic manufacturers to shift from a 40-micron thickness to a 50-micron thickness, and in the latest amendment, the government decided to ban 50-micron thick plastic bags and prescribed a higher thickness of 75 microns.

It is important to note that plastic bags with a thickness of 20 microns or less cannot be recycled, while those with a thickness of 40 microns can be.

Plastic waste management and handling rules

In 1999, the minimum thickness of plastic bags was set at 20 microns. This was increased to 40 microns in 2011, and then to 50 microns in 2016. In the latest amendment, the Indian government decided to ban 50-micron thick plastic bags and prescribed a higher thickness of 75 microns.

It is important to note that plastic bags with a thickness of 20 microns or less cannot be recycled, while those with a thickness of 40 microns can be.

Plastic bags

In India, the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, specify that the minimum thickness of plastic bags should be 40 microns, as opposed to the previous 20 microns specified by the Plastics Manufacture, Sale and Usage Rules, 1999. No person shall manufacture, stock, distribute or sell any carry bag made of virgin or recycled or compostable plastic, which is less than 40 microns in thickness. This addition to the new rules can prove to be highly effective if properly implemented by the municipal authorities. A 40-micron bag costs around Rs.2, whereas the usual 20-micron bag costs around 10 paise. Therefore, the demand for 40-micron bags by small chemists, vegetable vendors and small retailers is exponentially less compared to 20-micron bags. Hyderabad has imposed this law extremely stringently and has even specified penalties for flouting this law.

In the European Union, member states are not allowed to adopt marketing restrictions (bans) for plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness above 50 microns (i.e. reusable bags). However, they are free to adopt other measures to reduce their consumption, such as economic instruments or other national reduction measures. Very lightweight plastic carrier bags (with a wall thickness below 15 microns) may be excluded from these objectives, but member states are required to report on their consumption.

Plastic bag thickness

The thickness of plastic bags determines the strength of the plastic. The thicker the plastic, the more durable it is, and the less likely it is to break down into small pieces that can enter the food chain.

In India, the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, define carry bags as "bags made from plastic material or compostable plastic material, used to carry or dispense commodities which have a self-carrying feature".

The Plastic Waste Management and Handling Rules from 1999 set the minimum thickness of plastic bags at 20 microns. This was increased to 40 microns and then to 50 microns in 2011. In the latest amendment, the Indian government decided to ban 50-micron thick plastic bags and prescribed a higher thickness of 75 microns.

Plastic bags with a thickness of 20 microns or less cannot be recycled.

Plastic recycling

Plastic remains a threat to the environment as it can remain in the soil for years and enter the food chain. The plastic waste management system involves different rules from the government to reduce the effects of plastic on the environment.

The thickness of plastic bags determines the strength of the plastic. The thicker the plastic, the more durable it is, and the less likely it is to break down into small pieces that can mix with the soil.

In 1999, the minimum thickness of a plastic bag was 20 microns, which was then changed to 40 microns. According to the Plastic Waste Management and Handling Rules from 2011, the minimum thickness is now 50 microns. However, in the latest amendment, the Indian government decided to ban 50-micron thick plastic bags and prescribed a higher thickness of 75 microns.

It is important to note that plastic bags with a thickness of 20 microns or less cannot be recycled.

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