PLASTIC, the bane of environmentalists
worldwide, is on an upward swing in
India. By 2000 AD, the per capita consumption level of plastic in the country
is expected to go up to 2.5 kg from the
present 1.4 kg.
This would prop up the Indian plastic industry whose investment is expected to reach us $5 billion by the end of
the century from the present us $1.7 billion. This was stated at a recent meeting in Madras by K K Mathur, secretary,
department of chemicals and petro-chemicals.
Plastic is seen as an utility item for
almost every industry. New trends in the
plastic industry, Re the modification of
polymers, could lead to more ingenuous products.
As for the thorny issue of plastic disposal, a proper policy, keeping in mind ragpickers whose living conditions need
to be upgraded, has to be framed.
Storage conditions for plastic wastes
also need improvement as plastic is a
highly inflammable material. Plastic
recycle units have to be brought on par
with current technologies prevalent
abroad in order to restore the original
properties of plastic to nearly 80 to 90
per cent.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.