Sweetshops can’t use SUP packaging now
Govt has banned the use of packaging films made of single-use plastic (SUP) by sweetshops
image for illustrative purpose
New Delhi The central government has banned packaging films used by sweetshops to wrap boxes. This is in pursuance of the ban on single use plastics which was imposed in 2021.
The Ministry of Environment had earlier notified Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, which prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of the single use plastic (SUP) items like forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays, and wrappings.
The Ministry recently informed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that packaging films made of SUP were still in use by sweetshops all over the country, official sources told Bizz Buzz. This, the Ministry pointed out, was in contravention to the 2021 Rules.
Consequently, the FSSAI instructed all its Regional Directors, Commissioners of Food Safety in all states and Union Territories, and all Central licencing authorities-cum-designated offers to impose the ban on packaging films made of SUP.
The 2021 Rules came into force on July 1, 2022. Accordingly, the prohibition list included earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers.
The FSSAI has also directed officers and authorities concerned to spread awareness among food business operators (FBOs) about the dangers associated with SUP. The plastic packaging waste, which is not covered under the phase out of identified SUP items, shall be collected and managed in an environmentally sustainable way through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) of the producer, importer and brand owner (PIBO), as per Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The waste management infrastructure in States and UTs is being strengthened through the Swachh Bharat Mission, the sources said.
- FSSAI asked Regional Directors to enforce ban
- Authorities to spread awareness among FBOs
