Plastic recycling to turn real soon in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Suchitwa Mission is busy holding discussions with plastic manufacturers to start recycling units across the state as part of its efforts to bring producers under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The mission has also started preparing a framework to implement EPR in the state. This would make Kerala the first state in the country which is on its way to make EPR a reality. Though the Central government had announced EPR in Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 and e-Waste (Management) Rules 2016, there is no national framework to implement EPR.

The mission does not want to wait for the national framework to be published, says its Executive Director K Vasuki. “We are racking our brains on how to move forward, as there is no precedence. But waiting for the national framework might take long,” she says. The mission has met four potential investors, who are keen on investing in many places. Their proposals of interest are awaited. KSIDC and KINFRA will be providing the land, while the producers will raise the money needed for the units.

The investors who have expressed interest are members of Kerala Plastic Manufacturers’ Association. Vasuki says that it will be a viable idea, as the manufacturers will easily get raw material. Extended Producer Responsibility applies not just to manufacturers and importers, but brand owners as well. However, in the initial meetings, response from brand owners has been lukewarm, according to Vasuki. “Confederation of Indian Industries has suggested that we conduct one-to-one meetings with them,” she says.