Ban on use of plastic in Bengaluru may spike demand for aluminium foils

Karnataka's newly-imposed ban on the wide-scale use of plastic is set to change the way the food industry works in the state. On March 11, the government notified the ban and said it comes into force with immediate effect.

With this, the manufacture and use of plastic carry bags, cups, spoons and sheets are totally banned. Plastic packaging is allowed only when it is sealed at the factory level and for essential food products such as milk and dairy products. The decision has made businesses operating in the food industry, that is, look for alternative packaging material like aluminium foil or paper containers.

Aluminium foil by virtue of being lightweight, semi-rigid, recyclable, and chemically inert to the packaged material, is favored by most restaurants and food outlets for packaging their products. Moreover, aluminium foil has a high barrier property which helps it protect the food inside from environmental pollutants and harmful rays. Household demand of aluminium foil too is currently on the rise. With plastic taking a backseat as a packaging medium, its commercial as well as domestic use is expected to grow further in the near term.

FreshMenu, the online food delivery company based out of Bengaluru, is betting big on aluminium foil and paper containers. It is also hoping for a relaxation of the ban. The government, however, is no mood to go easy on the ban. Pollution Control Board chairman Lakshman said that the board are working on effectively implementing the ban.

Meanwhile, conscious brands have hailed the move. Chai Point recently shifted to biodegradable packaging for all its deliveries.

Amuleek Singh, CEO, Chai Point, favoured the ban in phases. "Once the government sends out this message, the cost of alternatives will come down as more suppliers come into the market."