Manufacturers find it hard to switch to alternatives
MUMBAI: Even after a six-month breather, plastic manufacturers have failed to switch to alternatives to plastic because it is neither feasible nor profitable.
A city-based manufacturer of plastic straws said he is prepared to shut down his unit because they do not have any other option. “Changing the product and getting new machinery are not feasible. We will fight till the end to save our product from the ban. If it is still not exempted, we will have no other option but to shut down.”
Neemit Punamiya, general secretary of the Plastic Bag Manufacturers’ Association of India (PBMAI), said switching to alternatives and availability of new machinery are not viable. “We have no plans of manufacturing any alternatives. It is a relief for us that all packaging material has been exempted from the ban. Shifting to alternatives such as cloth bags is not feasible as of now.”
Sonil Shah, another member of PBMAI, said he is relieved that packaging material is not part of the banned items. He said plastic manufacturers are holding discussions over the thickness of plastic bags which could be left out of the ban purview. “We will give a presentation to the government in a day or two on the banned plastic items,” said Shah.
The state government had issued a notification on March 23, imposing a ban on purchase, sale, distribution and storage of singleuse disposable plastic. Following this, the state decided to give extension of another two months to people for disposing of the banned plastic items. Implementing authorities such as the BMC cannot start punitive action till June 23.