Plastic Pollution: A Global Crisis and India's Fight against Single-Use Plastics

Plastic pollution has become one of the most significant and urgent environmental challenges faced by the world today.
It affects every part of the ecosystem—land, rivers, oceans, air, and even human health—due to its non-biodegradable nature and widespread usage.
Between the years 2000 and 2019, the annual global production of plastic doubled, highlighting the rapid acceleration in our dependence on plastic materials.
Single-use plastics, or SUPs, are of particular concern because they are used only once and discarded, leading to massive volumes of waste with no efficient disposal mechanism.

India’s Role and Ranking in Global Plastic Pollution

India is currently ranked third in the world in terms of the generation of single-use plastic waste, following China and the United States.
It contributes approximately 5.5 million tonnes of SUP waste annually, according to global estimates.
The scale of plastic waste in India reflects the combination of a large population, rapid urbanization, and increased consumerism, but also indicates a critical need for regulatory and behavioural change.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) is one of the most widely used plastics, primarily found in soft drink and water bottles due to its strength, lightweight, and recyclability.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is used in containers for milk, detergent, and household cleaning products as it is more durable and resistant to chemicals.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is extensively used in plumbing and drainage pipes, window frames, and cable insulation owing to its rigid structure and chemical resistance.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is used in plastic bags, bubble wraps, and film wraps because of its flexibility and softness.
Polypropylene (PP) is found in items like straws, bottle caps, lunch boxes, and furniture due to its lightweight and heat resistance.
Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam) is used for making disposable cups, food packaging, and insulation material, although it is notoriously difficult to recycle.

Vinyl chloride monomer, a key ingredient in PVC, can increase the risk of liver and brain cancer when inhaled or ingested in vapour or liquid form.
Benzene and butadiene, used in the manufacturing of some plastics and synthetic rubbers, are known to cause blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma.
Styrene, found in polystyrene products, is a neurotoxin and a possible human carcinogen, affecting the nervous system and possibly increasing cancer risk.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in making polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins; it can mimic oestrogen and disrupt endocrine function, leading to reproductive and developmental issues.
The long-term accumulation of these chemicals in the environment and in the human body raises serious concerns for public health, particularly for children and pregnant women.

The Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) was established in 2012 during the Rio+20 United Nations Conference to coordinate global action on plastic pollution.
The MARPOL Convention (1973), led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is an international treaty to prevent pollution from ships, including plastic dumping at sea.
The Basel Convention regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, including plastic waste, and ensures they are disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.
The Counter MEASURE II Project, supported by the UNEP, tracks plastic leakage in river systems like the Ganges and Mekong to inform policy and action.
The UNEA's Resolution to End Plastic Pollution, adopted in 2022, aims to create a legally binding international treaty by 2024.
The UNEP Plastics Initiative brings together governments, private sectors, and civil society to develop circular economy solutions.
The GloLitter Partnership Project, a joint initiative of IMO, FAO, and Norway, works with developing countries to reduce sea-based plastic waste from shipping and fisheries.
The London Convention of 1972 also prohibits dumping of plastic waste into the ocean, further contributing to marine conservation efforts.

India notified the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 to regulate the generation, collection, segregation, and disposal of plastic waste.
In 2022, India imposed a nationwide ban on single-use plastic products, including items like plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, and polystyrene plates.
The government introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the same rules, making manufacturers responsible for the lifecycle of plastic they produce.
The Un-Plastic Collective, launched jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), UNEP, and WWF-India, encourages industries to adopt sustainable alternatives.
Project REPLAN (Reducing Plastic from Nature), launched by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), promotes the use of paper and natural fabric-based alternatives to plastic.
The LIFE Mission (Lifestyle for Environment), introduced by Prime Minister Modi at COP26, advocates behavioural changes among citizens to protect the environment.
Campaigns such as “Beat Plastic Pollution” and “Plastic-Free India” aim to generate mass awareness and promote community participation in plastic waste reduction.