F&B industry says no alternative to PET bottle

With the deadline for ban on single-use plastic fast approaching, the F&B industry in the countr…

With the deadline for ban on single-use plastic fast approaching, the F&B industry in the country is gearing up to ensure that the 200 ml PET bottle is kept out of the purview of the ban.

It is learnt that leading food and beverage companies in the country have written to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to remove 200ml PET bottle from the proposed list of items that the Central agency is preparing for the ban.

The ban is likely to come into effect from October 2, Gandhi Jayanti. The ban was proposed following the call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day to do away with use of single-use plastic.

So far, 12 items have been identified for ban. These include carry bags, non-woven carry bags, small wrapping, straws, plastic cups, bowls, plates, sticks for earbuds, balloons and flags, cigarette butts, small plastic bottles, thermocol and thin road side banner.

The Central agency has asked the companies to give their views on the subject.

The industry feels that there is no alternative for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) at the moment and if small bottles are banned then it would have huge implication on the industry wherein 40% market share is with small bottles. Thus, the industry does not find the ban feasible. However, the authorities are yet to bring in clarity over the issue leading to confusion.

“The scenario is confusing. There is no clarity as yet as to what will happen. We are just waiting and trying to understand. What other plans we can have? PET has no other alternative. In fact, the world over there is no alternative,” said Anjana Ghosh, director, marketing & business development, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

She added, “On our part, we are at the moment conveying our views as there is no alternative. Both BIS and FSSAI does not permit anything else except PET. Until and unless there is clarity we can't do anything.”

Meanwhile, the government is gearing up for the ban. Ram Vilas Paswan stated that the ban will be imposed gradually in different phases.

While talking to press here recently, he said that the government’s intentions are clear and the industry needs to come up with alternatives. The new plan and ban can go hand in hand and therefore there is no need for a delay on the subject.