Garment industry seeks lifting of ban on polybags

Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA) today appealed to the government of Tamil Nadu to exempt polybags from the list of banned plastic items, as the restriction would affect the garment industry.

In a letter to the State Chief Minister K Palaniswami, a copy of which was released to the press, president of the association Raja M Shanmugham said there were no environmental issues with polybags, which were recycled and used for packaging of garments meant for the export and domestic markets. "There is no alternative to polybags when it comes to packaging," he said.

"We wish to note that polybag is included in the list of the banned plastic items... polybag is used for packaging of the garments meant for the export and domestic markets. So, the ban of polybags will bring the garment industry to a standstill as there is no alternative to packaging of the garments," Shanmugham said.

Even environment-conscious countries insist on use of polybags for packaging, he said.

However, Shanmugham thanked the Chief Minister for banning use of throwaway plastics from January 1 next to make the State plastic-free so as to prevent environmental hazards and health problems.