The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on March 20, 2026, invites comments on the proposed Definition of “Biodegradable Material”.
The following has been stated:
• The CPCB, through an Office Order dated December 17, 2025, has constituted a multi-stakeholder committee comprising representatives from MoEF&CC, BIS, CPPRI, CII, DBT, FSSAI, IIP, IITs (Roorkee & Hyderabad), CSIR-IITR, and NIIST to develop a standardized definition of “biodegradable material” for product packaging.
• The committee has proposed that biodegradable material should be capable of decomposing in soil, freshwater, and marine environments under natural conditions, achieving at least 90% biodegradation within two years, without leaving microplastics or toxic residues.
• It has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders and the public, which shall be submitted via email by March 26, 2026 (12:00 Hrs) before finalizing the definition.
[Notification no. - CP-20/12/2022-UPC-II-HO-CСРСВ-НО]
