What are the current quality standards for recycled plastics, and what are the significant factors being considered while framing the standards?

The current standards developed for recycled plastics are: 

IS 14534: 2023 Plastics — Guidelines for the recovery and recycling of plastics

IS 14535: 1998 Recycled plastics for the manufacturing of products — Designation. This standard is currently under revision. 

The above two standards are Code of Plastic Standards. We have also adopted ISO standards, namely: 

IS 16630 (Part 1): 2018 / ISO 12418-1:2012 Plastics — Post-Consumer poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) bottle recyclates: Part 1 Designation system and basis for specifications.

IS 16630 (Part 2): 2017 / ISO 12418-2:2012 Plastics — Post – Consumer poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) bottle recyclates: Part 2 Preparation of test specimens and determination of properties.

IS 16591 (Part 1) : 2016 / ISO 18263-1 : 2015 Plastics — Mixtures of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) recyclate derived from PP and PE used for flexible and rigid consumer packaging: Part 1 Designation system and basis for specification

IS 16591 (Part 2) : 2016 / ISO 18263-2 : 2015 Plastics — Mixtures of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) recyclate derived from PP and PE used for flexible and rigid consumer packaging : Part 2 Preparation of test specimens and determination of properties

The factors being considered while framing the standards: 

The international practices prevalent at ISO, EN, etc. are being considered by the Committee and then they are restructured according to India’s requirements and practices.

How do these guidelines help in improving collection, sorting, and processing of recyclable plastics — (to maximise quality and efficiency - and prevent contaminated plastic materials)? 

To assist plastic product manufacturers aiming to incorporate recycled materials alongside virgin materials and make informed decisions regarding quality standards and labelling, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed IS 14534. This standard serves as a comprehensive guide, outlining the necessary steps involved in recycling plastics waste/scrap and establishing guidelines based on the percentage of recycled content utilised in the final product.

IS 14534 delineates various recycling techniques in accordance with current technological advancements and policy directives governing plastics waste management in India. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers gain valuable insights into optimising their production processes while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability goals. Moreover, it facilitates the adoption of best practices in utilising recycled materials, thereby promoting resource efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint associated with plastic manufacturing.

How do the BIS norms support the trade of polymer raw materials? What is the specific quality or certification requirements for exporting and importing them?  

Indian Standards issued by the BIS are voluntary in nature that establishes the minimum quality requirements. However, these standards may become mandatory, if they are referenced in regulations or included in Quality Control Orders (QCO).

When Indian Standards are incorporated into regulations or QCO, products or process shall comply with the Indian Standard. For product specification, this requirement is indicated by the presence of the ISI mark, which signifies that the product meets the specified quality standards outlined by BIS. ISI mark on product ensures that products circulating in the Indian market adhere to established quality benchmarks, enhancing consumer confidence and promoting the production of goods that meet rigorous quality criteria. Compliance with Indian Standards and the display of the ISI mark serve as tangible indicators of product reliability and conformity with quality requirements.

Once QCO is enforced then it becomes the law of the land and quality is ensured of polymer raw materials whether manufactured in-house or imported into the country. As far the export, the same is not applicable.

What are the consequences of non-compliance? 

When standards such as IS 14534 are cited in regulations i.e. Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, any breach of these standards triggers actions in accordance with the Environment Protection Act. This means that if a manufacturer fails to comply with the standards specified in regulations, they are subject to enforcement measures outlined within the Environment Protection Act. These measures could include penalties, fines, or other regulatory actions aimed at ensuring adherence to environmental standards and promoting sustainable practices in waste management.

Similarly, if a manufacturer utilises the ISI mark on their product, indicating compliance with relevant Indian Standards, but the product is found to be non-compliant with those standards, repercussions are governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act of 2016. Under this act, actions are taken against manufacturers who misrepresent their products with the ISI mark or fail to meet the specified standards. Such actions may involve penalties, withdrawal of the ISI mark, or other legal measures aimed at upholding the integrity of product standards and consumer protection.

What is the latest norm on using recycled plastic for food packaging? 

Previously, in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rule, the use of recycled plastic for applications involving food contact was prohibited. However, following amendments to the PWM Rules, as aligned  with  Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)  Regulations, recycled plastics have been permitted for such purposes. This regulatory shift prompted revisions or amendments to Indian Standards such as IS 14534 and IS 10171, which previously contained clauses prohibiting the use of recycled plastics in food contact applications. The amendments to these standards involved the removal of the aforementioned prohibitive clauses, aligning them with the updated regulations. Overall, the alignment of Indian Standards with amended regulations reflects a proactive approach towards enhancing sustainability practices and encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly solutions within the plastics industry.

The relevant clause prohibiting the use of recycled plastics for food contract application has been modified as:

‘Only those recycled/reprocessed plastics materials and articles for which standards and guidelines are notified by FSSAI may be used for food contact applications and drinking water.’

How does the organisation create awareness about its constantly updated standards? 

The BIS plays an active role in raising awareness among consumers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders regarding quality standards and best practices. Several key initiatives undertaken by BIS to promote awareness include:

Standard of the Week; Standard of the month; Training Programmes; Public Outreach Events like Nukkad Natak; Manak Manthan; Standard Clubs; Standardisation cell; Educational outreach programme; Consumer Awareness Programmes through BO’s; Industry Awareness Programmes;

Weekly Standards Bulletin; and Social media pages such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.