Centre to set up expert panel to define single use plastic

The Central government is constituting an expert committee to study the use of single use plastic and submit its report in the next two months, a notification issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said. The notification said the committee is being set up to bring clarity on the issue of single use plastic, which directly impacts multiple industries including consumers goods and pharmaceuticals.

“The use of plastic is an environmental concern and many state governments have imposed a ban on single use plastic. However, there is a difference of opinion over its usage, and the proposed committee will define single use plastic and submit its report subsequently,” the notification said.

Global Research Alliance president RA Mashelkar will head the expert committee.


“While remaining in sync with appeals from the UN and other nations, India must adopt an approach that is prudent to us. These guidelines can also help states review their present policies for managing plastic,” Dr Vijay Habbu, faculty and expert in sustainability and technical advisor to plastic associations said. He added that the move would help in developing rational guidelines on how to manage plastics, single use plastics in particular, in India.