A report by Toxics Link, published on August 13, 2024, revealed the presence of microplastics in several Indian salt and sugar brands, prompting calls for action from environmental authorities. The Indian National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken note of these findings and, on August 23, 2024, urged Indian authorities to address the issue. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for December 3, 2024.
Environmental research and advocacy organization Toxics Link examined microplastic contamination in various salt and sugar samples available in India. The study analyzed ten salt and five sugar samples, covering a range of products from widely available to organic and local brands. The researchers found that all samples contained microplastics, with varying contamination levels.
In salt samples, the highest concentration of microplastics was detected in iodized salt, with 89.15 pieces per kilogram of dry weight. Organic rock salt had the lowest concentration, at 6.70 pieces/kg. The report suggested that iodized salt, undergoing more processing and often packaged in plastic, tends to accumulate more microplastics. Sugar samples showed contamination ranging from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces/kg. While the study did identify microplastics, it did not determine or evaluate the sources of contamination.
The authors emphasized the need for further research to assess the potential health risks associated with microplastics and chemicals. They called for regulatory improvements, including the establishment of permissible limits for microplastics in food products.
The issue of microplastic contamination is part of a larger challenge related to plastic waste management in India. A report by consulting firm Kearney and commissioned by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) published in August 2024, outlines India’s struggle with plastic waste. According to the report, India generates between ten and twelve million metric tons of plastic waste annually, much of which is unrecovered or mismanaged.
Kearney’s report suggests prioritizing the management of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste, given their widespread use and established recycling infrastructure. The report recommends an approach that includes upstream solutions, such as designing products for recyclability and exploring alternatives like biodegradable plastics. Midstream efforts focus on raising public awareness and improving household-level waste separation, while downstream activities advocate for financial support for large-scale recycling projects. The authors also call for stricter enforcement of existing plastic waste management regulations and expanding eco-friendly practices, including more reusable packaging options.
These reports are especially relevant as the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) stakeholders are negotiating a global plastics treaty. The next intergovernmental session is scheduled for November 5 to December 1, 2024, in Busan, Republic of Korea.
The Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, an independent group of experts, provides science-based input to inform policymakers and ensure an impactful agreement. Their latest output is a policy brief on chemicals in plastic, outlining what these chemicals are, why some of them are problematic, and possible approaches to tackle this issue in the context of the plastics treaty.
References
Toxics Link (August 13, 2024) “Microplastics in salt and sugar.”
National Green Tribunal (August 23, 2024) “Original Application No. 1094/2024.”
Kearney (August 7, 2024) “Solving plastic waste: Roadmap for a sustainable future.”
Kerry Hebden (September 3, 2024) “Indian salt and sugar brands contain ‘concerning amount’ of microplastics, report finds.” Chemical Watch news & insight
Kerry Hebden (September 17, 2024) “Stricter regulation enforcement needed to deal with India’s plastics waste.” Chemical Watch news & insight
