India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests has announced a ban on the use of any plastic material to pack tobacco, gutkha and pan masala products.

The order came after gutkha, tobacco and pan masala manufacturing companies failed to comply with Supreme Court orders and new plastic waste management (PWM) rules.

The ban aims to reduce the volume of non-biodegradable waste generated by plastic packaging.

"The manufacturers of gutkha, tobacco and pan masala have not taken effective action to prevent use of plastic in packaging of these products."

A total of 20 major gutkha, tobacco and pan masala producers have been asked to stop using plastic material to pack products, reported New Indian Express.

The order said: “Littered plastic pouches are posing an environmental threat, and the manufacturers of gutkha, tobacco and pan masala have not taken effective action to prevent use of plastic in packaging of these products.”

It has also directed manufacturers to implement PWM rules on the use of plastic in tobacco packaging, and submit a compliance report within a 30-day period.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In 2010 and 2011, the Supreme Court had directed tobacco manufactures not to use plastic material in any form of packaging.

The court has also directed the environment ministry to ensure compliance with the order.

In early 2016, the environment ministry issued PWM rules to decrease pollution caused by plastic materials.

India produces 15,000t of plastic waste a day, but only 9,000t is collected and composed, reported Asian Age citing a ministry official.