National expo on eco-alternatives to single use plastics on Sept 26

CHENNAI: With a ban on single-use plastic (SUP) items, the State and Central Environment Ministry will organise the country's first of its kind National expo on eco-alternatives to SUPs and start-up conferences on September 26 and 27 at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam.

The Tamil Nadu government has banned 14 SUPs with effect from January 1, 2019, and it is being implemented by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and local bodies. In addition, to create awareness among the public about the ill effects of disposal of SUPs and the need to avoid the same, Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the “Manjappai” Campaign on December 23, 2021.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India has also banned certain Single Use Plastics throughout the country with effect from July 1, 2022.

"To create an opportunity for the manufacturers of alternatives to SUPs to showcase their products and to make the public aware of the various alternatives available for the banned Single Use Plastic, and in coordination with the State and Central government," noted the TNPCB release.

There will be 150 stalls exhibiting alternatives to SUPs, such as banana leaf products, fibre/rice bran/rice husk/ agricultural products, areca leaf products, coconut shell products, coir products, pottery products, palm products, cloth/jute products, compostable carry bags products, cloth banners, by the manufacturers from all over the country.

They will also be exhibiting the machinery used for the manufacture of eco-alternatives. There will be five startup conferences on various aspects of alternates to SUP, plastic waste management and air pollution management over 2 days of the event.

It further stated that several dignitaries, including Secretaries of various Ministries of Union governments, Secretaries of State Governments and the Chairman and Member Secretaries of other State Pollution Control Boards will also be attending the function.

This National Expo is open to all, including public, school and college students, entrepreneurs for startups for eco-alternatives to SUPs, and people involved in business like, Hoteliers, caterers, Kalyana Mandapams, and theatres.