Govt must restrict high-risk additives in consumer products

A situation report has raised concerns over widespread exposure to harmful chemicals phthalates and bisphenols, putting public health at significant risk as their use remains largely unregulated in the country.

The country’s plastic industry, long overshadowed by garments, is steadily expanding as manufacturers adopt new technologies, increase recycling, and diversify exports beyond traditional markets.

The government has doubled the rate of value-added tax on plastic tableware

The High Court yesterday directed the authorities concerned to ban single-use plastic products in coastal areas, hotels, motels and restaurants across the country in one year as they are health and environmental hazards.

While any garbage is usually dissolved in the soil, nature fails to do so for plastic products, which remain indestructible for decades or even centuries. Burning plastic products is not a good solution either.