Why is it in the news?

• National Circular Economy Roadmap for Reduction of Plastic Waste in India has been released.

More about the news

• The primary goal of the roadmap is to foster collaborations between research institutions and industries. This collaboration is essential for combining expertise and resources to address the complex issue of plastic waste.
• The collaboration between India and Australia signifies a global effort to tackle plastic waste which allows for the exchange of knowledge, technology, and best practices between the two countries, enhancing the effectiveness of the circular economy approach.
• The roadmap aims to develop a comprehensive plan for India’s transition to a circular economy specifically within the plastics sector.

Need for a Policy Roadmap

• The substantial daily generation of 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste in India underscores the urgency for a well-defined policy roadmap.
• While the government’s ban on single-use plastics is a step in the right direction, the coverage of only 10-15% of plastics used highlights the need for a more comprehensive and enforceable policy to address the broader spectrum of plastic consumption.
• The average plastic recycling rate of around 13% indicates a gap in the current waste management infrastructure.

Significance

• Transitioning to a circular economy model is crucial for mitigating climate change, as it can lead to a significant reduction of 20-50% in greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production.
• The emphasis on recycled materials helps decrease the presence of microplastics in the food chain, addressing a critical environmental and health concern associated with plastic pollution.
• By promoting the circular economy, there is a simultaneous reduction in the reliance on landfills for plastic disposal. This contributes to minimizing the environmental footprint of plastic waste.
• Implementing digital tracking of waste streams enhances transparency and accountability in waste management practices. It allows for better monitoring of the flow of plastic materials, facilitating more effective recycling and resource recovery.