Plastic waste management has assumed increased significance as a global environmental issue due to the fact that uncontrolled disposal leads to pollution of our lands, water bodies, and air. With an annual plastic waste generation of about 3.5 million tons, plastic is a serious threat to biodiversity and human health in India.
In order to combat this increasingly problematic situation of plastic waste generation, government bodies and environmental agencies have advocated that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) should remain the framework for effective management of plastic waste.
The blog presents an overview of EPR plastic waste management, namely its meaning, significance, regulatory framework, and how entrepreneurs can fulfill their obligations under EPR.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Extended Producer Responsibility is a policy approach whereby manufacturers and producers are made responsible for the entire life cycle of a given product, including collection, recycling, and disposal. The very essence of EPR is to ensure that the industry accepts its share of the responsibility for the environmental effects of its products even after they are consumed.
EPR was primarily introduced for the first time in Europe in the early nineties in response to growing concerns in areas regarding waste management. Eventually, from thereon, many countries began to incorporate EPR into their waste management statutes so as to set a framework for a more systematized manner of pushing the initiatives of sustainability and circular economies.
EPR Plastic Waste Management in the Indian Context
India recognizes the need for EPR plastic waste management and accordingly has different regulatory measures for ensuring compliance. The Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016 issued under the Environment Protection Act of 1986 provide a comprehensive framework for EPR compliance.
These rules state the obligations imposed upon manufacturers, importers, and brand owners: they are required to:
● Develop collection systems- Companies are required to have viable systems for collecting plastic waste from consumers so that they can return at any time for reuse, recycling, or safe disposal. This may include establishing collection centers, working with local waste management agencies, or applying reverse logistic systems for the retrieval of plastic products. Efficient collection mechanisms are relevant for lessening plastic waste in the environment.
● Form partnerships with authorized recyclers: For EPR compliance, companies should follow through partnerships with government-authorized recycling facilities that can process the plastic waste in a safe and efficient manner. Such partnerships ensure that the collected plastics will be recycled into material usable in production, thus reducing reliance on virgin plastics. Partnering with authorized recyclers to meet their own sustainability targets and regulatory goals.
● Raise awareness among consumers on disposal of plastic wastes: Educating consumers on responsible disposal of plastic wastes is very important for effectiveness in EPR implementation. Businesses can create awareness campaigns, provide clear disposal instructions on packaging, and encourage returning plastics to consumers. More increased participation of consumers in the entire process results in better waste collection and a completely sustainable ecosystem for recycling.
● Compliance Reporting to Regulatory Authorities: Regular reporting by companies of their activities related to plastic waste management to either the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or any of the appropriate state authorities is imperative. This report contains all information regarding the collection of waste, the recycling portion of the waste, and other sustainability actions put in place to make everything transparent and in adherence to regulations. Some penalties will occur should the submission of a compliance report be omitted, thus making accurate documentation an aspect of EPR compliance.
CPCB Guidelines for EPR Compliance
The CPCB has issued comprehensive guidelines to aid producers in their compliance with EPR mandates. The mandates outlined within these guidelines include the respective roles and responsibilities of businesses, collection mechanisms, reporting norms, and penalties for non-compliance.
Key Provision of CPCB Guidelines
Registration: Registration empowers accountability, as it will require producers to register with the Central Pollution Control Board-CPCB or State Pollution Control Boards-SPCBs.
- Collection and Segregation: Producers are also required to collect and develop segregation systems either through establishing their collection centers or by contracting with approved agencies for waste segregation.
- Recycling Infrastructure: Each commercial organization to develop its own recycling infrastructure or alternatively enter into contractual agreements with accredited recyclers to achieve the waste disposal and reuse objectives.
- Reporting and Compliance: Regular reporting to the CPCB/SPCBs is imperative as it entails records on the generation, collection, and recycling activities relating to plastic waste.
Advantages of EPR Plastic Waste Management
The benefits of EPR Plastic Waste Management includes:
1. Lower Environmental Impact
EPR compliance reduces environmental pollution through appropriate disposal and recycling measures and thereby reduces the adverse effects on the different ecosystems, animals, and humans.
2. Promotion of Circular Economy
EPR motivates businesses to take sustainable product designs that optimize resource use and thereby improves recyclability of products. Resource use includes the efficient use of petroleum, energy, and water.
3. Business Cost Savings
One-time costs of implementing EPR practices will be recovered through savings in waste disposal and fines for infractions.
4. Market Competitiveness & Brand Image
The modern consumer has an affinity for environmentally friendly brands. Companies that have opted in on EPR plastic waste management will have an edge over their competitors because consumers will regard them as brands that stand for global sustainability.
5. Legal & Regulatory Compliance
Going by the EPR guidelines, businesses are likely to remain within the limits of their governments' regulations and thereby avoid more severe penalties and civil actions that would have born out of having breached the administration's laws.
How Enterprises Could Achieve EPR Compliance?
Here are the basic steps businesses need to take towards efficiency and compliance in EPR plastic waste management:
● Know the Regulatory Requirements: Link up with the CPCB and the SPCB so that the business practices conform to the latest requirements in EPR.
● Design a Collection & Recycling System: Effective collaboration with local and recognized recyclers and waste collection agencies would ensure efficient management of plastics in waste.
● Utilize Technology for Transparency: Set up a digital platform to track and report waste management processes, assuring transparent processes of compliance.
● Educate Consumers: Awareness campaigns to create responsible waste disposal practices among consumers.
● Gradually incorporate Eco-friendly packaging: Gradually replace all plastic packaging by using completely eco-friendly and recyclable packing materials for the generation of less plastic waste.
Banyan Nation's Role in EPR in Plastic Waste Management
Banyan Nation is a leader in the circular economy for plastics. It is also going to be one of the top players in India's bottle-to-bottle recycling industry for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). The company produces human contact-safe, traceable recycled Polyethylene (rPE) and recycled Polypropylene (rPP) resins meeting stated technical as well as color and odor performance specifications.
In strong alignment with sustainability programs, Banyan nation enables many leading companies to shift towards the adoption of circular recycled plastics from virgin plastics, thus fulfilling their EPR obligations and commitments to global sustainability. Advanced recycling solutions offered by Banyan Nation will prove vital in the reduction of plastic waste and the conservation of resources and add momentum to environmental sustainability.
By taking proactive action for EPR plastic waste management, businesses contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.