Shampoo, gutkha, pan masala and foodstuffs like namkeen and biscuits would not come in plastic and metallised pouches, if the Centre's proposal to ban the eco-hazardous material is accepted.
The environment ministry has invited comments from the stakeholders on the "draft rules" which stipulate that "no person shall manufacture, stock, distribute or sell non-recyclable laminated plastic/metallic pouches, multi-layered packaging and other non-recyclable plastics."
The proposal under the Plastics (manufacture, usage and waste management) Rules 2009 which sought to replace the earlier Recycled Plastic Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999 follows recommendations of the Chopra Committee formed at the direction of the Delhi high court last year while hearing a case related to the plastic menace in the national capital.
Seeking ban on such pouches, the panel had acknowledged that "multi-layered and metallised pouches used for gutkha and pan masala are not recyclable due to their composition and as such they remain as solid waste, causing serious damage to the environment."
Host of industries, including the fast moving consumer goods and food processing are likely to oppose the move. However, if the Centre goes ahead with the proposal, the industry will have to come up with eco-friendly packaging material.
