Governments worldwide urge companies to find alternatives to single use plastics

Highlights

1. Governments all over the world, including the Indian Government, is trying different methods to eliminate the use of single-use plastics and replace it with Biodegradable alternatives
2. Recently, the Indian government started the “Singh use Plastic International Grand Challenge” for startups
3. This Challenge rewards the startups who are able to adopt alternatives to single-use plastics
4. It has adopted certain criteria, to ensure that in the process of eliminating these plastics, efficiency is not reduced
5. The results will be announced on 31st October with cash prices upto Rs 3 lakhs

In India, around 25,940 tonnes of plastic waste is generated per day. In view of this, Governments all around the world, Including the Indian one, are trying many different methods of eliminating single-use plastics and replacing it with more eco-friendly, bio degradable alternatives.

Recently, the Government of India has started the “Singly use Plastic International Grand Challenge” open to all startup industries. The challenge is open from 1st October till 22nd October 2019.

What does the challenge entail?

This challenge urges all startup industries to develop design ideas and solutions to the problem of single-use plastics. It further encourages these industries to develop newer and innovative methods of eliminating these kinds of plastics, and use of a more eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative.

However, the solution put forward must have the same functionality, and shouldn’t compromise the production methods or efficiency. They should adopt the changes in at least one of the following aspects:

1. Minimum viable product
2. Proof of concept
3. The deployed a solution which requires scaling up

Who can apply?

Any startup in India can apply, but the Government will prefer firms dealing with:

1. E-commerce
2. Retail
3. Advertising
4. Logistics
5. Transportation
6. Storage

What are the rewards and when will the results be announced?

The results for the challenge will be announced on 31st October 2019 and the first and second position holders would be rewarded Rs 3 lakhs and Rs 2 lakhs respectively.

Simultaneously, the ministry has also asked all e-commerce companies to reduce the use of such plastics (Since they are the maximum contributors) and use a packaging material other than plastic.