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'Not all kinds of plastic cups are banned'

The circular had clearly indicated that alternatives that could be used instead.

Sharief said that some newspapers, however, misinterpreted the ban to give an impression that all plastic cups were banned. The statement clarified that the circular sent to the restaurants and cafeterias only prohibited the use of plastic cups made of "rigid polystyrene plastic" in serving hot beverages.

“It also called for using other alternatives such as foam polystyrene, paper and other cups which withstand a temperature of more than 100 degrees Centigrade. It also asked for showing the working temperature and code indicating the plastic type used on bottom of the cups,” Sharief said.

Elaborating on the issue, Sharief said the idea behind the circular was to regulate the use of plastic cups in serving beverages and not to ban all kinds of plastic cups.

“The suitability of the plastic to withstand high temperatures is the key factor in using plastic cups. While rigid polystyrene should not be used for hot beverages, they could be used in cold drinks. Plastic cups made of foam (plastic code 6) or polypropylene (plastic code 5) could be used,” he explained.

Plastic cup manufacturers and importers are instructed by the municipality to indicate the plastic code and usage purpose (suitable temperature) on the bottom of the cups; they are also required to submit technical information about the materials used in manufacturing the cups including the ingredients used and get the cups approved by the civic body according to their type and use.

Sharief said a list of companies that manufacture or distribute permitted cups shall be approved by the municipality and the list shall be distributed among the food establishments that serve hot beverages. He said the cups shall be manufactured according to good manufacturing practices and from a virgin, highly purified, non-recycled, and food grade material.

Companies also have to submit a certificate from the side of the manufacturer that the components of the material from which the cups are manufactured shall not have adverse health effects, and shall not change the composition and characteristics of the beverage contained therein, he added.

Sharief reiterated that the objective of the circular was to organise the use of the plastic cups and not banning them. He further urged the media to deal with the issues related to the public health objectively, to avoid having negative impact on the proper education of the public and preserving the rights of others.

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