Malappuram: Further tightening ban on plastic products, the government on Wednesday banned compostable carry bags previously permitted in lieu of plastic carry bags.
Principal Secretary Department of Environment, Usha Titus issued ordinance in this regard.
The move is to tackle the problem of fake compostable carry bags flooding in the market.
As it happens, compostable carry bags usually takes 60-80 days to decompose, as they are manufactured from the pulp of sugarcane and corn.
Given its biodegradable nature, the government earlier twice included it in the list of alternative products. Following this, merchants brought in compostable carry bags.
As per the 2019 November 27 ordinance, compostable carry bags were allowed based on Plastic waste( Management and handling) 2016 law.
However the cover should carry Indian standard IS or 17088-2008 label, alongside QR code.
Heath officials have warned merchants to remove the carry bags forthwith and assured they were not levying fine.