Top Five Alternatives to Plastic

Plastic is one of the major causes of environmental pollution in the world, including India. To minimize the damage due to increased usage of plastic, the government began taking control measures by banning plastic in the country. 

The government recently announced the ban on the manufacture, sale and use of single-use plastic, effective from July 1, 2022. Under the recently notified Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, the ban will be implemented in a phased manner.           

In the first phase, the manufacturing of plastic carry bags and commodities of less than 120-micron thickness will be banned from September 30, 2021. In the second phase, manufacturing, import, stock and sale of plastic sticks used in earbuds, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, and polystyrene will be banned from January 01, 2022. In the third phase, manufacturing, import, stocking and sale of single-use plastic items such as plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, trays, wrapping and packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, plastic PVC banners less than 100 microns will be banned from July 01, 2022.       

More than 25,000 tons of plastic waste is generated every day in India. Out of the total plastic waste, around 40% is uncollected, causing severe environmental pollution. As the problem of plastic pollution is increasing in India, the government’s decision is being welcomed by the industry.   

While the ban on plastic is vital, it is also equally important to explore alternatives to replace plastic. In this context, let us look at some of the best single use plastic alternatives.