ICPA moots use of compostable plastic in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: Representatives from the India Compostable Polymer Association (ICPA) called on Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prasanna Venkatesh and briefed him on the advantages of certified compostable plastic as an effective alternative to single use disposable plastic.

The visiting representatives said that the compostable plastic was easy to dispose of. As per the rule 3(e) of the Plastic Waste Management (PWM of 2016), compostable plastic means plastic that undergoes degradation by biological process during composting to yield carbon-dioxide, water and biomass at a rate consistent with other known compostable materials.

The ICPA has proposed to collaborate and work with VMC in creating awareness and promoting compostable plastics as an alternative to conventional plastics and complimented the initiative of VMC in tackling the plastic waste and its management.

The plastic bags dealers also interacted with the Commissioner, who responded positively and agreed for the proposal of introducing biodegradable plastic bags. They expressed interest to procure the biodegradable plastic bags and give full support to the VMC.

Manufacturers of compostable plastics have to obtain licence from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and they have to maintain national standards with testing done by the Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET).