This includes replacing polypropylene bags with bags made of jute for all food grains, particularly wheat.
Pakistan Jute Mills Association Secretary Muhammad Younus pointed out that this action would show the commitment to the 27 international conventions signed by the government as a prerequisite to qualifying for the GSP Plus scheme of the European Union.
He stated that in 2014 the government had contributed heavily to environmental degradation by using 64 million polypropylene bags (equivalent to 3.52 billion polyethylene bags) for storage of wheat and other grains.
Polypropylene is a man-made fibre and a by-product of oil refineries. “Polypropylene bag powder is known to contain deadly elements such as lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel and zinc,” he said. “The antioxidants in the fabric are known to have caused skin irritation.”
“Polypropylene and plastic products get oxidised quickly, therefore, antioxidants are added to it, which can cause skin irritation,” said Tahir Ahmad, a biochemist. “Antimony trioxides used as stabilising and flame proofing agent are carcinogenic.”
He added inhaling high nickel concentration could cause acute and sub-acute poisoning.
Experts regretted that government agencies had continued to ignore guidelines of the United Nations on wheat storage despite the fact that following them could help increase exports of the commodity substantially.
Another expert said that on the other hand, jute being 100% natural fiber is biodegradable, environment friendly and can be used multiple times which means that the cost after several uses nullify the low cost advantage of polypropylene bags that are used one time only.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 25th, 2014.
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