The Union environment ministry has released a draft notification to regulate the extended producer responsibility (EPR) under the “Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016”.

Key facts

• The draft provides that, quantity of waste will have to be managed by producers, brand owners and importers, who are generate plastic packaging waste across India.
• When the draft notification will be passed, it will come into effect immediately.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

EPR means the responsibility of producer for environmentally sound management of product and plastic packaging till the end of its life. People & stakeholders can submit objections or suggestions on draft within 60 days, to the environment ministry.

Three categories of Plastic Packaging

EPR covers following categories of plastic packaging:

1. Rigid Plastic Packaging
2. Flexible Plastic Packaging of single layer or multilayer (greater than one layer with several types of plastic)
3. Plastic sheets, carry bags (including those made up of compostable plastics) & plastic sachet or pouches
4. Multi-layered plastic packaging.