Will the plastic ban eventually stimulate the use of equally dangerous thermoplastics or styrofoam? This is what the radicals fear.

Although today's Thermocol products account for only a small portion (approximately 4%) of the waste generated in the city, they are concerned that the ban on plastics may trigger Thermocol as a substitute. Green activists say that by contrast, thermocol is more ecologically dangerous than plastic, but in terms of circulation. Although both plastic and thermocol are not biodegradable, plastic is easy to recycle, while thermocol is not.

Although the draft notice clearly stated in its preamble that thermoplastic plates and cups are ecologically hazardous, the operation part did not mention styrofoam or thermoplastics.

“Currently, there is no technology to recycle hot melt adhesives. There are only two options: compress them and dump them in the soil or burn them, which are known to release carcinogenic gases,” said Sanjeev V. Dyamannavar of PrajaRaag, who has sought to treat Thermocol. Supervision in response to plastic ban notifications.

Bindhu Vinodh is an activist who recently led a successful campaign against the use of styrofoam plates at the Phoenix Shopping Center. He said that eating food on such plates is harmful to health. He added that knowledge of this issue is sufficient.

Ramachandra, Chairman of Karnataka Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), agreed and stated that thermocol is the biggest threat to solid waste disposal because it cannot be recycled.

Only a small part of Thermocol waste is compressed and reused.

Bharath is an entrepreneur who built the first factory to reuse Thermocol. He said he compresses about three quintals of Thermocol every day. It is used for making picture frames and soundproofing.

However, not everyone thinks that disabling Thermocol is a practical solution.

Green activist Suresh Heblikar said that if the socio-economic and lifestyle issues are not addressed, the ban on the use of plastics or thermoplastics will not be practically implemented.

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Printable version | December 2, 2021 1:34:05 AM | https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/not-just-a-ban-on-plastic-regulate-thermocol-too /article7879228.ece

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