Alexei Volkov
India is facing a single-use plastic crisis, with 5.5 million tonnes of single-use plastic waste generated in the country. The Indian government has taken steps to address this issue, such as banning 19 selected single-use plastic items and introducing the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules in 2021. Additionally, the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh has completely banned the production, distribution, storage, and use of carry bags through its Non-biodegradable Garbage Control Act of 1998. While biodegradable plastic is seen as a potential solution, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has stated that there is currently no 100% biodegradable plastic in India. The government is taking steps to address greenwashing by companies and has set up the Central Consumer Protection Authority to deal with misleading advertisements. Scientists are actively researching and developing biodegradable plastics made from renewable resources, and field trials of products like biodegradable mulch film for farmers have shown promising results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable plastic allowed in India | No 100% biodegradable plastic in India as of April 2023 |
| Biodegradable plastic defined as | Materials capable of degradation by biological processes in specific environments such as soil or landfill without leaving any microplastics |
| Tests to determine biodegradability | Tests underway at Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology at Bhubaneswar |
| Certificates for biodegradable plastic | The government currently gives certificates only to "compostable plastic manufacturers" |
| Government initiatives | The Union government banned single-use plastic in 2022 and recommended the adoption of biodegradable plastic |
| Plastic waste in India | India generates 5.5 million tonnes of single-use plastic waste |
| Plastic waste management | The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh banned the production, distribution, storage, and use of carry bags through its Non-biodegradable Garbage Control Act of 1998 |
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What You'll Learn
India's single-use plastic ban
India has been taking steps to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable development. As part of this effort, the country introduced a ban on a group of single-use plastic products (SUPPs) in mid-2022. The ban, which came into effect on July 1, 2022, covered 19 single-use plastic items, including cutlery, straws, sticks, and decorative thermocol. Some single-use plastic bags and banners were also regulated based on thickness. This ban is a significant amendment to the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules of 2021.
The Indian government's decision to ban SUPPs is a step towards more progressive plastic waste legislation. However, the implementation of this policy varies across states, and there are challenges to ensuring its effectiveness. Over a year after the ban, single-use plastic items are still being sold and used in the country, indicating that enforcement remains an issue.
One challenge in implementing the ban on SUPPs is the lack of viable alternatives. Biodegradable plastics, for example, are still being tested, and there is ongoing debate about whether any plastic can be truly 100% biodegradable. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has stated that there is currently no 100% biodegradable plastic in India. Companies making such claims without proof are considered to be engaging in "greenwashing" and can face action under the Consumer Protection Act.
Compostable plastics, which are different from biodegradable plastics, are currently being certified by the Indian government. Compostable plastics break down into water, biomass, and gases like carbon dioxide and methane under controlled environmental conditions. However, the process of composting can be impeded by the presence of non-degradable plastic packaging, which often ends up mixed with organic waste in landfills.
To address plastic pollution effectively, it is crucial to consider the broader socio-economic impacts of SUPP bans. These include industry concerns, effects on disadvantaged communities, and the informal recycling sector. By understanding these complexities, India can work towards sustainable solutions that reduce plastic pollution while promoting just and environmentally friendly practices.
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Biodegradable plastic defined
Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to break down into substances found in nature, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, within a reasonable timeframe. The process of biodegradation involves the disintegration of the plastic by microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, without causing any ecological harm. While biodegradable plastics are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of these, they are not always derived from natural sources. For instance, some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based.
The term "bioplastic" is often used interchangeably with "biodegradable plastic". However, it is important to note that not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and the definition of bioplastics is still a subject of debate. Bioplastics refer to plastics derived partly or entirely from biomass, and they may or may not possess biodegradable properties.
The distinction between biodegradable and compostable plastics is also crucial. Compostable plastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), are designed to biodegrade under specific composting conditions, either in industrial composting facilities or through home composting. On the other hand, biodegradable plastics do not have defined conditions for breaking down, and their effectiveness in natural environments is uncertain. While they are tested in controlled laboratory conditions, the natural world presents unpredictable factors that may hinder their biodegradation if littered.
The effectiveness of biodegradable plastics in addressing the plastic pollution crisis is questionable. While they offer an appealing solution to consumers seeking more sustainable options, the actual environmental impact of these materials depends on various factors, including their proper collection and recovery. Additionally, the challenge of greenwashing arises, where companies strategically market their products as more environmentally friendly than they truly are.
In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has stated that there is currently no 100% biodegradable plastic in the country. The director general of BIS, Pramod Kumar Tiwari, emphasized that research is still ongoing globally to establish the biodegradability of plastics. Tests on plastic products claiming to be biodegradable are underway, and the government is taking measures to address greenwashing and ensure the accuracy of product claims.
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Plastic waste management
India is one of the world's largest consumers of plastic, with an estimated consumption of over 16 million tons annually. This number is expected to rise with increasing industrialization and consumerism. In 2023, India generated 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste every day, of which only 8% was recycled. The remaining plastic waste ended up in landfills, water bodies, and oceans, causing severe environmental degradation and health hazards.
India's inadequate waste management systems, combined with open burning, make managing plastic waste a significant challenge. The country's waste management infrastructure has not kept up with the growing volume of plastic waste, with 77% of waste in Indian cities being dumped into open landfills without treatment. The government's ban on certain single-use plastics, introduced in 2022, has been difficult to implement as these plastics are cheap and readily available.
To address the plastic waste crisis, the Indian government has implemented several initiatives to promote sustainable plastic recycling. The Waste to Wealth Mission, established in 2021, aims to create financially viable and sustainable circular economy models for waste management. Amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules in 2022 demonstrate the government's commitment to tackling plastic waste and promoting a more circular economy for plastics. These regulatory changes set targets for increasing the use of recycled content in packaging and eliminating single-use plastic packaging.
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines will drive market demand for recycled materials, with businesses required to comply with EPR regulations. Additionally, the government has set up the Central Consumer Protection Authority to deal with misleading advertisements, especially regarding claims of "biodegradable" plastic.
To further reduce plastic waste, India should focus on designing products and processes that minimize waste and make reuse and recycling easier. Enhancing recycling technologies and encouraging the use of recycled materials can also help reduce the demand for new plastics. India's collaboration with international organizations and governments, such as the 2023 Innovate UK Global Expert Mission to India, demonstrates its commitment to leveraging expertise and resources for sustainable plastic recycling.
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Greenwashing by companies
In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has stated that, as of 2023, there is no 100% biodegradable plastic in the country. The director general of BIS, Pramod Kumar Tiwari, said, "It has not been established whether any plastic is actually 100% biodegradable. Research is still going on in the country and across the world." He added that any claim of certain plastics being biodegradable without proof amounts to misleading advertising.
This statement by the BIS shines a light on the issue of greenwashing by companies in India and beyond. Greenwashing is a practice where companies make false or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of their products or practices to improve their public image and increase sales. It involves strategic marketing ploys, misguided publicity materials, or advertisements that make it hard for consumers to know which products truly reduce environmental impact.
- Volkswagen admitted to cheating emissions tests by installing a "defect" device that could recognize when it was being tested and alter its performance to reduce emissions levels. Meanwhile, the company was touting the low emissions and eco-friendly features of its vehicles in marketing campaigns. In reality, these engines were emitting up to 40 times the allowed limit for nitrogen oxide pollutants.
- Coca-Cola, one of the largest plastic polluters in India and the world, has been criticized for initiatives that distract from their significant environmental impact. For instance, their subsidiary Innocent Drinks was accused of greenwashing by activists for suggesting that purchasing their smoothies might help rescue the environment.
- Fast fashion brand H&M was found to have made 96% false claims about the sustainability of its "Conscious Collection." A survey revealed that this collection employed more synthetic materials derived from fossil fuels than their main collection.
- Nestlé released a statement about its ambitions for 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025 but was criticized for not providing clear targets or timelines to support this claim.
- Major financial institutions like JP Morgan, Citibank, and Bank of America have been accused of greenwashing for promoting "green investment" opportunities while still lending enormous sums to industries that contribute to global warming, such as fossil fuels and deforestation.
To combat greenwashing, India's Advertising Standards Council (ASCI) has released guidelines for advertisements making environmental claims. These guidelines ensure companies make truthful and substantiated claims, maintaining transparency and trust in green marketing.
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Biodegradable plastic field trials
India is facing a single-use plastic crisis, generating 5.5 million tonnes of single-use plastic waste per year. The country has banned 19 types of single-use plastic products, with implementation varying across states. However, there is still a lot of single-use plastic in circulation, and India ranked 94th in per capita single-use plastic waste, indicating that the ban only addresses 11% of the entire gamut of single-use plastic waste.
The Indian government has recognised biodegradable plastic and compostable plastic as two broad technological fixes to the country's plastic waste pollution problem. However, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has stated that there is currently no 100% biodegradable plastic in India. Tests of plastic products claiming to be biodegradable are underway, but none have passed. The government has set up the Central Consumer Protection Authority to deal with misleading advertisements, and manufacturers must keep scientific evidence for the claims they make.
Field trials using biodegradable mulch film on tomato and capsicum crops have shown that it performs just as well as polyethylene film but can be ploughed into the ground after harvest, enriching the soil with carbon. Scientists can alter polymer mixes to enhance the properties of the final product. For example, an almost pure starch product will dissolve upon contact with water and then biodegrade rapidly.
The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Food Manufacture and Packaging Science is investigating the use of basic starch in blends with other biodegradable polymers to produce flexible and rigid plastics. These are being made into 'film' and 'injection moulded' products such as plastic wrapping, shopping bags, bread bags, mulch films, and plant pots.
Compost may be key to maximising the environmental benefit of biodegradable plastics. However, one challenge is that organic waste is often mixed with non-degradable plastic packaging, making it uneconomic to separate them.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastic is allowed in India. However, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has stated that there is currently no plastic that is 100% biodegradable. Tests are being carried out to determine the validity of biodegradable plastic products.
Biodegradable plastic is defined as materials capable of degradation by biological processes in specific environments, such as soil or landfill, without leaving any microplastics.
Compostable plastic does degrade but requires industrial or large municipal waste management facilities to do so. Biodegradable plastic, on the other hand, is expected to decompose naturally over time, although there are currently no tests to determine if this is the case.
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