Jaipuria: The myths around plastics in packaging

He started of by saying, “Plastics have applications in almost any industry that we can think of.” He added, plastics are versatile, lightweight, flexible, moisture resistant, durable, strong and relatively inexpensive. 

They can be chemical resistant, clear or opaque, and practically unbreakable.” Jaipuria stated, imagining a life without plastics is almost impossible today. In fact, new breakthrough applications are being worked upon. This includes PE gas pipes, oriented polyolefin composites(OPOC) used in luggage, building and construction etc.” Later he busted some myths about some plastics not being biodegradable.

He said, glass, metal, jute and textile are also nonbiodegradable. Even paper and paperboard, he pointed out, is not biodegradable in the absence of a suitable composting environment. He shared some anecdotal evidence to support his case. He said, “As per a study conducted on landfills in 60 cities across India by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), plastic constitutes 10-15% of the waste generated in the city. However, waste and rag pickers collect a considerable amount for selling to waste dealers, who in turn send it for recycling. This leaves the amount of plastics in the landfill to about only 5-7%.

Jaipuria addressed yet one more myth about plastic not being environment friendly. He said, based on his experience in the industry in the production of BOPP films, the process consumes lesser energy for production of basic raw material as well as for subsequent processing to end product. Furthermore it consumes much lesser fuel for transportation of manufactured products He bust one more myth about plastic not being safe for critical products. His reply was: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) have been approved by National Standards (BIS) for use in contact with food stuff, pharmaceuticals and drinking water.

Jaipuria said, “PE, PP and PS have been approved for as safe for use. In fact, polypropylene is one of the purest polymers, used in heart valves etc.“ Today, India generates 5.6 million metric tons of plastic waste annually. Of which 60% is recycled The possible recycled usage as per IS guidelines are: office supplies which include files and folders, binder.