After years of intermittent crackdowns on plastic use, the problem has become more widespread and single-use plastics have become entrenched in daily life.
Despite multiple attempts by previous Punjab governments to curb its use, the campaigns failed to achieve substantial results.
Over time, plastic consumption skyrocketed, driven in part by the rise of e-commerce and home deliveries during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, where plastic packaging became ubiquitous.
However, this time the change in strategy appears to be more calculated and systematic.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, the Department of Environment Protection and Climate Change has come up with a new plan to address the plastic menace. The department has issued a final deadline, requiring all companies involved in the plastic supply chain to register with the government by December 31.
The registration process has been simplified through an online platform, making compliance easier for businesses.
Entities involved in the manufacturing, distribution or sale of plastic can register by visiting www.plmis.epapunjab.pk.
The portal provides step-by-step guidance on how to submit applications, upload necessary documentation and understand compliance requirements under updated regulations.
From January 1, 2025, unregistered plastic manufacturers and suppliers will face strict measures, including being banned from continuing operations.
This decisive action is part of a global effort to regulate the plastics industry and make it comply with updated environmental laws.
Officials have emphasized that this initiative is more than a campaign. ”In line with the direction of the Punjab Chief Minister, the department has proactively collaborated with industry stakeholders, including relevant associations, to ensure that the new policies are effective and enforceable,” says Raja Jahangir Anwar, Secretary of Environmental Protection and Climate Change. . To solidify the legal framework of the crackdown, amendments have been made to the Punjab Environment Protection (Production and Consumption of Single-Use Plastic Products) Rules, 2023.
He explained that the government is not acting in isolation, but is supported by legal reforms and does so after incorporating stakeholders.
Officials hope this comprehensive effort will finally begin to reverse the rampant spread of plastic products and set a precedent for sustainable practices in the province.
This comprehensive registration regime is for all companies and individuals involved in the plastic supply chain.
This initiative is designed to ensure strict accountability and put unregistered plastic companies under government scrutiny.
The new registration framework classifies entities into multiple groups, including producers of various scales, distributors, collectors, recyclers and consumers.
Each category has specific registration requirements, with fees ranging from as low as Rs. 500 for individuals at Rs. 300,000 for large producers that operate with more than ten machines.
Encompassing all segments of the plastic supply chain, the department aims to account for every unit of plastic product produced, distributed or recycled.
This system not only supports the registration process but also strengthens the surveillance regime to identify and sanction unregistered companies.
Authorities believe that this double mechanism will help eliminate “killer plastic” from the province once and for all.
As the clock ticks towards the December 31 deadline, no businesses will be allowed to operate without registering from the New Year. The success of the registration campaign through www.plmis.epapunjab.pk will be a critical factor in ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the crackdown.
To help businesses navigate the registration process, the Department of Environmental Protection has provided detailed guidelines and a user manual on its website.
Additionally, a video tutorial is available on the department’s YouTube channel, “Climate Corner,” which provides a step-by-step tutorial of the registration procedure.
“By registering all entities and individuals involved in the production, distribution or recycling of plastic, we aim to create a robust system that ensures that no plastic business operates in the shadows,” Raja Jahangir said. “This will help us track unregistered operations and prevent the rampant proliferation of single-use plastics.”
Under these regulations, unregistered companies face many penalties, including fines, confiscation of materials, and closure of operations. The crackdown is expected to set a precedent for sustainable practices in the region while also addressing the growing challenges posed by plastic pollution.
Officials have urged companies to comply with the new regulations, emphasizing that the success of this initiative depends on the collective action of all stakeholders in the plastic supply chain.
