India enacted a ban on a variety of single-use plastics on Friday to combat waste clogging rivers and poisoning wildlife, but experts say the country will face significant obstacles from unprepared manufacturers and consumers unwilling to pay more.

The country generates approximately four million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which approximately one-third is not recycled and ends up in waterways and landfills that frequently catch fire and contribute to air pollution.

Plastic-eating stray cows are a common sight in Indian cities, and a recent study found traces of plastic in elephant dung in Uttarakhand’s northern forests.

The new ban includes the production, import, and sale of ubiquitous objects such as plastic straws and cups, as well as the packaging on cigarette packets.

For the time being, plastic bags below a certain thickness and so-called multi-layered packaging are exempt.

After the ban, which was first announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, went into effect, the authorities vowed to enforce it vigorously.

Beginning on Friday, inspectors will check to ensure that no suppliers or distributors are breaking the rules, which carries a maximum fine of one hundred thousand rupees or five years in prison.

Government lobbying
Approximately half of India’s regions have already attempted to impose their regulations, with mixed results as evidenced by the condition of rivers and landfills.

The plastics industry, which employs millions of people, argues that alternatives are costly and has lobbied the government for a ban delay.

Pintu, who makes a living by cutting off the tops of coconuts with a machete and serving them to customers with plastic straws, is uncertain of his next move.

Changing to “Expensive Paper straws will be tough. I will probably pass on the expense to the customers “He stated in New Delhi to AFP.

I’ve heard it will help the environment, but I don’t see how it will affect us,” he continued.

Analysts at GlobalData estimate that 35 percent of soft drink volumes are comprised of small packs with plastic straws, meaning manufacturers will be “devastated.”

“The price-sensitive masses cannot afford eco-friendly alternatives,” GlobalData’s Bobby Verghese explained.

‘Resistance’
Jigish N. Doshi, president of the industry group Plastindia Foundation, anticipates “temporary” job losses but says the larger issue is firms that “have invested enormous capital in machines that may no longer be useful” after the ban.

“It is difficult to make different products from machines, and the government could assist by providing subsidies,” Doshi told AFP.

Toxics Link’s Satish Sinha told AFP that “there will be initial resistance” because finding replacements may be difficult, but that this was a “very welcome step.”

“There will be challenges, and we may have to pay a price, but if you care about the environment, this is a crucial issue that requires a concerted effort”, he said.

Ecoware, a young company attempting to contribute to the change, manufactures biodegradable disposable products in a factory outside Delhi.

Rhea Mazumdar Singhal, the chief executive officer, told AFP that the appalling condition of landfills and widespread plastic consumption inspired her venture.

Singhal stated, “We’ve seen plenty of bands before, but as citizens, we hold the power”.