Guidelines on EPR for Plastic Packaging

Context

The government has notified the Guidelines on Extended Producers Responsibility  (EPR) on plastic packaging under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. 

• The guidelines will come into effect from 1st July 2022.

New guidelines

• Four categories of plastic packaging specified-
• Category one will include rigid plastic packaging.
• Category two will include flexible plastic packaging of single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic), plastic sheets and covers made of plastic sheet, carry bags, plastic sachet or pouches.
• Category three will include multi-layered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic).
• Category four includes plastic sheet or like used for packaging as well as carry bags made of compostable plastics.

Guidelines on Extended Producers Responsibility  (EPR)

• The guidelines establish a framework for improving the circular economy of plastic packaging waste, promoting the development of plastic alternatives, and establishing steps for firms moving toward sustainable plastic packaging. 
• To limit the consumption of new plastic material for packaging, the standards require the reuse of rigid plastic packaging material.
• The guidelines will help in the formalisation and growth of the plastic waste management industry. 
• The guidelines enable the sale and purchase of surplus extended producer responsibility certificates, establishing a market mechanism for plastic waste management for the first time.
• The guidelines establish a framework for levying environmental compensation based on the polluter pays principle when producers, importers, and brand owners fail to meet extended producer responsibility targets, with the goal of protecting and improving the environment and preventing, controlling, and lessening pollution.
• Environmental compensation does not exempt producers, importers, or brand owners of their responsibilities under these rules.
• Unfulfilled EPR responsibilities will be carried forward to the next year.