Is the ban on single-use plastic products absolute?

No, the Gauhati High Court clarified that the restriction is not absolute; products made of compostable or biodegradable plastic are still permitted.

What did manufacturers argue against the single-use plastic ban?

Manufacturers argued that the absolute ban was arbitrary and discriminatory, claiming their recyclable products could be managed through existing waste systems and that the ban would cause financial ruin.

Home / Environment / Plastic Ban Not Absolute, Clarifies High Court

Plastic Ban Not Absolute, Clarifies High Court

Q: What are the criteria for permitted single-use plastic products?

Single-use plastic products are permitted if they are made of compostable or biodegradable plastic, according to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

28 Jan

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Summary

Single-use plastic ban isn't absolute, court stated.
Compostable or biodegradable plastic still permitted.
Manufacturers challenged the ban on disposable items.

Plastic Ban Not Absolute, Clarifies High Court

The Gauhati High Court recently clarified that the prohibition on manufacturing single-use plastic products is not absolute. The court specified that under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, the only restriction for ecological preservation is that such products must be made of compostable or biodegradable plastic.

A bench heard a plea from eight manufacturers of disposable plastic items like plates and cups, who challenged the rules prohibiting their production. The court observed that this restriction is reasonable and does not violate the fundamental right to trade.

Previously, the court noted that if petitioners' products are manufactured from biodegradable plastics, the rules do not adversely affect their business. The court further defined compostable plastics as those degrading by biological processes yielding carbon dioxide and water, and biodegradable plastics as those degrading without leaving microplastics or toxic residue.