E-com players get 3 months extension on plastic use

New Delhi: The Maharashtra Govt. has allowed e-commerce companies to use plastic packaging for three more months; a government order dated 30^th June said so. However, these companies have to come up with a buyback plan to collect used plastic packaging material, ensure its recycling and disposal as well as source alternative packaging material.

The ban, which came into effect on June 23, had threatened a sharp rise in costs for retailers, beverage makers and sellers of bottled water, among other companies that rely on plastic for packaging.

Representatives of companies including Amazon, H&M , Pepsi and Coca-Cola, as well as plastic lobby groups, met officials of the Maharashtra government days before the ban, urging them to implement the rule in phases and relax some norms, Reuters quoted four sources as saying on Friday.

The latest rules also exempt the use of plastic packaging of medical equipment and drugs.