MLPs AS A PROBLEM:

As a concerned citizen, learning about the existence of a type of plastic that is neither degradable nor recyclable was a shocking revelation. These multi-layered plastics (MLPs), which account for 35% of all plastic waste, have become a pressing concern for our local environment and the global climate crisis. India, our home, generates an estimated 3.8 million metric tonnes of MLP waste annually. The magnitude of this issue is yet to be properly addressed, contributing to mountains of waste in our landfills. Ill-managed and often burned, these landfills are not just an eyesore; they directly contribute to air pollution, exacerbating global warming. These are often made of several different plastics and other materials which make them technically challenging to separate for recycling. Their small sizes, light weight, and high volume make them logistically challenging to pick, sort, aggregate, and transport. Companies are continually relying on this plastic.
Why? – light weight, shelf life, barrier performance, cost-effective, and aesthetic appeal! But is this worth our environment?

RULES IN INDIA FOR MLPs

Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016: Initially, these rules called for the phasing out of all MLPs within two years. 

Amendment in 2018: The rules were revised to target only those MLPs that are "non-recyclable, non-energy recoverable, or with no alternate use

The focus has been on managing plastic waste through extended producer responsibility and promoting recycling, rather than implementing an outright ban on all MLPs.

THE ISSUE AND HENCE THIS CAMPAIGN

However, 7 years have passed since the introduction of EPR, and yet, the implementation hasn’t been as effective and regulated as it was proposed to be. The same is for the rules on MPLs; they were first negotiated in 2018, and yet there is no difference seen, and there is a need for a stricter and swifter implementation of the plastic waste management rules, especially on MPLs.

Through this petition, the request is made to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, under the authority of Mr. Bhupender Yadav, to enforce the rules properly. The campaign requests the Ministry to:

Take the rules determined and visible implementation, through the engagement of stakeholders.

Clearly define guidelines for the collection of the plastic waste (especially MLPs) and introduce standards and goals for collection every month

Make the values (amount and variety of multi-layered plastics used in manufacturing, and the amount of MLPs getting recycled) clear and transparent to the public. 

We urgently appeal for stricter regulations on the complete ban of MLPs and a faster implementation of plastic waste management rules. Our country's ecological future depends on the swift movement of your ministry. Please prioritize this issue and help reduce this undue burden on our planet. Sign this petition to support our call for vital environmental reform.