Govt plans increase in thickness of polyethylene bags to 125 microns

Plastic processors say that is much thicker than global standards

Three months after officially banning six varieties of single-use plastic materials, the government is considering fixing a minimum thickness of 125 microns for polyethylene bags and other products of convenience packaging. Currently, plastic items with thickness below 50 microns are banned.

If finalised, the cost of packaging of all materials including food, agriculture, fertilizer, clothes and all other items would rise significantly. The increase in the minimum thickness of the packaging material would increase the cost of packaged products and hence, lead to a further escalation in their cost.

Plastic manufacturers have raised objections with the government on the proposal.