On June 5, 2020, the government of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is reported to have published a notification banning the use of plastic for primary food packaging with immediate effect. The state already had a ban in place for plastic carrying bags and other secondary packaging, however, the new regulations also restrict plastic (including plastic bags) that form “an integral part of the packaging” and are sealed prior to use. This also includes, for example, wrappers for biscuits and chips. The government says that alternative materials are to be explored and that any alternative plastic packaging must be “compostable” and also approved by the state’s pollution control board. A ban on six types of single-use plastic items came into effect nationwide in India on October 2, 2019 (FPF reported).
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The New Indian Express (June 9, 2020). “Tamil Nadu bans plastic packaging of goods.”
Times of India (June 11, 2020). “Tamil Nadu govt. bans plastic for primary food packaging.”
