Manufacturers oppose plastics ban at Corpn-organised meeting

The meeting was presided over by the Chennai Corporation Commissioner D Karthikeyan and plastic manufacturers, traders, hotel owners and representatives of resident welfare association participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, the manufacturers opposed the move complaining that the government has failed to provide them enough time to make changes.

“The Commissioner apprised us that the civic body could not do anything in the matter as it has the power only to implement the government order. Following this, we raised our concerns and tried to walk out. But the Commissioner assured that he would pass on our concerns to the government,” Virendra Kumar, president of Tamil Nadu Plastic Manufacturers’ Association (TAPMA), said.

Meanwhile, the Chennai Corporation explained to the consumers (traders and hotel owners) about the alternatives for plastic.

Two temporary stalls were erected in the premises to explain the usage of cups, plates, straws, packages made using sugarcane bagasse and plastic bags made by processing starch.

According to a Corporation statement, the civic body had implored the plastic manufacturers to manufacture eco-friendly products.

The civic body proposed banana leaves, aluminium foil, wooden products, jute, cotton bags and other eco-friendly products as an alternative for the plastic.

The state government has banned one-time use plastics from January 1.