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29th November 2024 (12 Topics)

India’s stand against plastic waste

Context

India has been involved in Global Plastic Treaty negotiations in Busan, South Korea. At the ongoing talks, India made its position clear on addressing plastic pollution. India supports the development of sustainable alternatives to plastics, but it does not agree with being forced to use specific alternatives or be restricted on plastic use, especially in the context of developing countries' rights and needs.

The Global Plastic Treaty Talks:

  • The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) is negotiating a Global Plastic Treaty to tackle plastic pollution.
  • Countries like India, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. are pushing back against proposals to limit plastic production because of their reliance on petrochemical industries that produce plastics.
  • These countries argue that reducing plastic production could disrupt their economies and industries.

India’s Stance:

  • India has shown support for research and innovation to find sustainable alternatives to plastics and non-plastic substitutes. However, it has objected to suggestions that would push for a reduction in the use of primary plastic polymers (the basic materials from which plastics are made), arguing that it should not be forced to use specific materials or products. India also emphasized that any agreement should respect its national priorities and right to development, acknowledging that developing countries need financial and technical help to manage plastic waste.
  • Financial Support for Developing Countries: India stressed that, like in climate change agreements, there should be financial and technical assistance for developing countries to handle plastic pollution. This should include technology transfer to help countries manage plastic waste better.
  • Issues with Sustainable Alternatives: India faces challenges in adopting sustainable plastic alternatives such as biodegradable or compostable plastics. The main issue is the lack of clarity over whether these alternatives truly degrade and whether they are properly composted. New alternatives like jute, cotton, or recycled materials are often more expensive and less practical compared to the convenience of plastic.

Plastic Waste Problem in India:

  • India produces about 24 million tonnes of plastic packaging annually, but the country only has the capacity to recycle 9.8 million tonnes.
  • Around 20% of the plastic waste is collected, and the rest is not properly managed.
  • This leads to massive plastic pollution, and there are increasing calls for reducing plastic production itself.
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