Home Page,www.plastemart.com
 PRODUCT SEARCH     PROCESSORS     PRICES     PLACEMENTS      EXHIBITIONS       DISCUSSION FORUM       ARTICLES       NEWS   
Go to->Home - Technical Articles & Reports on Plastic Industry
Myths about Plastics
 

Point: Plastic bags choke stray cattle that unwittingly chew on them (for instance-- 55 kgs of plastic bags were taken out of a dead cow).

Counter Point: The incident has been bloated out of proportion. It is physically impossible for a single cow to swallow 55 kgs of plastic bags- equivalent to 50,000 bags-which occupies space of almost three full gunny bags of 100 kgs. capacity each. Plastic bags or for that matter other wastes are not supposed to be fed to cows and other animals. Cow fodders/animal feeds are not packed in plastics bags to cause accidental ingestion. The problem is of littering and stray animals, why blame the plastic bag?

Point: Plastics / Plastic bags cause litter.

Counter Point: Ultra-thin carry bags are exported from India to Germany and other countries, but these are not found littered on the streets abroad due to good civic sense and supportive waste management systems. Most countries have adopted two bin culture-segregating dry and wet garbage. Plastics industry in India has been pleading with local governments for proper segregation systems and provision of bins. This will help avoid littering and ensure recycling of waste plastics. Industry has already donated plastic bins in cities like Delhi and Calcutta. ICPE ,alongwith the government should consider harsh penalties and deterrents for littering. Infrastructure and system support is a must for proper waste management. Remember, Plastics do not litter-- but people do.

Point: Has the industry taken any initiative on recycling and waste management.

Counter Point: Industry, by itself and in co-operation under guidance of MOEF has taken a number of eco-initiatives: Developed several new recycling applications- useful products for the masses / economy. Worked with MOEF on National Task Force on Plastic Waste Management - Report and guidelines with MOFE and BIS (one of the first industries to do so). Sponsored basic and application research at UDCT, Mumbai to recycle waste polybags into synthetic lumber or wood and domestic/industrial wax. Conducted national and state level seminars, workshops and meets with public, NGOs, Government Departments and local authorities.The industry is committed to continuing education, awareness and multimedia communication programs.The industry has already formed Indian Center for Plastics in Environment (ICPE) as an autonomous society - (initial seed capital of Rs. 40 lacs and total seed capital of Rs. 2 crores). Industry has donated plastics bins for pilot projects (segregation of dry / plastic waste) in Delhi and Calcutta. Plastics industry is a responsible care industry.

The Common Agenda: The plastics industry is a Responsible care industry. Over the years it has taken a number of eco-initiatives in addressing environmental and socio-economic issues. However, much more needs to be done. Industry and media need to work together in a collaborative spirit to bring about proper appreciation and positioning of the unique contribution of plastics to environment and modern society. Industry welcomes objective, unbiased public debate as an important input to further improve its efforts in serving society and in protecting the environment. We have a shared vision and common destiny. Let us call a halt to the sustained misplaced anti-plastics campaign and work together for a better future.

Courtesy: Indian Centre of Plastics in Environment (ICPE)

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Forward this article to friend Forward this article to friend Print this article Print this article  
Back to list of articles
 
Advertise With Us    Home    Information Mart    Newsletter    Environment      Articles   Polymer Prices
About Us    Jobs in Plastic Industry    Manufacturers Plastic Industry   Products & Services Plastics  Terms Of Use
Plastic Exhibitions And Trade Fairs   Disclaimer   Software Solutions   Contact Us  Site Map
Be fan of Plastemart.com on Facebook Be Our Fan | follow Plastemart.com on Twitter Follow Us
Best viewed in IE 6.0+
Copyright © 2003 Smartech Global Solutions Ltd. All rights reserved.
Designed & Conceptualized by Plastemart - www.plastemart.com