The Hindu Business Line : `Ban additives used in plastics recycling'

INSTEAD of a ban on the use of plastics, a ban on the additives used while processing plastics for recycling is necessary to contain environmental pollution, according to Mr S. Murali Srinivasan, a consultant in plastics processing.

Addressing a meeting of the Department of Zoology of Yadhava College here, Mr Srinivasan said a number of chemicals were used while processing the plastics to prevent degradation and that had contributed to environmental pollution.

Being cost-effective in a country like India, the use of plastics cannot be gainsaid. The Government, instead of banning its use, should attempt at curbing the use of these chemicals in the industry, he said.

The industry by itself would not come forward to avoid using these additives as it would affect their business interests.

It was also necessary that mindless recycling must be prevented, he said.

Mr Srinivasan was of the view that creation of awareness among the public about the disposal of plastics waste was very important.

Slogans like `use and throw' should be avoided in advertisements.

The current discussion on the thickness of plastics bags was unnecessary as thickness did not contribute directly to damaging the environment.

The Government while encouraging the recycling of plastics should also lay down norms so that public health was not affected.

Most of the units were within the city limits and should be moved to the outskirts, he added.

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