Guidelines for Proper Plastic Disposal for Recycling and Reuse

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Introduction:
Plastic waste has become a significant environmental concern worldwide. To mitigate the negative impact of plastic on our planet, it is crucial to adopt responsible practices for its disposal. This article aims to provide guidelines for the proper disposal of plastic waste, focusing on recycling and reuse as sustainable solutions.

1. Understand Plastic Types:
Plastics are classified into different types based on their chemical composition. It is important to familiarize yourself with these types, as each may require a specific recycling process. The most common plastic types include PET (polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), LDPE (low-density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), and PS (polystyrene).

2. Separate and Clean:
Before disposing of plastic waste, ensure that it is clean and free from any contaminants. Rinse the plastic containers, remove any labels, and separate them according to their type. This step is crucial to maintain the quality of recycled plastic and prevent contamination during the recycling process.

3. Check Local Recycling Guidelines:
Different regions may have specific recycling guidelines and facilities available. Research and familiarize yourself with your local recycling programs to ensure that you are following the correct procedures. Some areas may have curbside recycling pickup, while others may require you to drop off your plastic waste at designated recycling centers.

4. Recycle Plastic Bottles:
Plastic bottles, particularly those made of PET or HDPE, are highly recyclable. Empty and crush the bottles to save space and reduce transportation costs. Check if your local recycling program accepts bottle caps, as some may require you to remove them before recycling.

5. Plastic Bag Recycling:
Plastic bags, including grocery bags and packaging films, can be recycled. However, they can cause problems in recycling facilities due to their lightweight and flexible nature. Many grocery stores have collection bins specifically for plastic bag recycling. Consider reusing plastic bags or opting for reusable alternatives to reduce their overall consumption.

6. Seek Specialized Recycling Programs:
Certain types of plastic, such as PVC or polystyrene, may require specialized recycling processes. Research local programs or facilities that accept these specific plastics. Some recycling centers may also collect other hard-to-recycle plastics, such as plastic utensils, toys, or electronics.

7. Explore Creative Reuse Options:
Before disposing of plastic items, consider if they can be creatively reused. Plastic containers can be repurposed for storage, organization, or DIY projects. Get creative and find innovative ways to give plastic items a second life before sending them for recycling.

Conclusion:
Proper disposal of plastic waste through recycling and reuse is essential for reducing its environmental impact. By following these guidelines, you can contribute to a more sustainable future. Remember, every small action counts, and together we can make a significant difference in preserving our planet for future generations.

FMCG industry clocks 12.2% value growth in June quarter

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The FMCG industry clocked a 12.2 per cent value growth in June quarter on the back of moderation in inflation and green shoots of recovery visible in rural regions, as per the latest estimates released by NIQ India.

This was 1.3 per cent higher than June quarter last year and 2 per cent higher than March quarter this year.

Volume growth of the sector for June quarter was pegged at 7.5 per cent, which NIQ India ( formerly NielsenIQ) said was the highest in the last eight quarters.

Rural shines
Witnessing an uptick in consumption, rural regions clocked a 4 per cent volume growth compared to 0.3 per cent in March quarter and -2.4 per cent in June quarter in the previous year. Urban markets continued to witness growth momentum clocking volume growth of 10.2 per cent, which doubled sequentially from 5.3 per cent in March quarter

NIQ India noted that the June quarter has been the best quarter in a year-and-half with positive strides across all growth vectors.

Satish Pillai, MD, NIQ India said, “The softening of India’s inflationary rate and decline in food inflation is good news for the industry. This has led to a confidence in spending reflected in retail channels across the country that are growing. Further, the overall drop in price growth driven by the food categories has also had a positive impact on consumers and is anticipated to be mirrored in the build up to the festive season.”

Also read: FMCG companies see strong growth in digital revenues in Q1

Food category tops
The consumption in the sector was led by food categories (8.5 per cent volume growth vs previous year). Staple and Impulse categories led the overall growth in the category. Consumers were also seen leaning back towards habit-forming categories in cities and metros, the research and insights firm noted.

Revival in rural consumption helped non-food categories garner a volume growth of 5.4 per cent in the June quarter versus a year ago. However, personal care categories continued to see a decline in rural regions, it added.

In urban regions, non-food categories continued to see an improvement in volume growth (8.9 per cent in Q2’23 versus 3.9 per cent in Q1’23).

Also read: IT, FMCG stocks drag equity markets down on weak Q1 performance

Modern trade
In terms of channels, modern trade clocked double digit volume growth while traditional trade saw an improvement in volumes to 6.2 per cent in Q2’23 from 1.9 per cent in Q1’23

“Recovery in rural markets which was in negative territory for the last few quarters, is primarily driven by the non-foods segment. This combined with a 21 per cent plus growth in modern trade augurs well for the upcoming festive seasons,” added Roosevelt D’Souza, Lead, Customer Success, NIQ India.

Although an upward trend was seen for average pack size growth, it continued to remain negative across markets except urban markets, it added.