Page 138 - CW E-Magazine (8-10-2024)

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EXPERT VIEW

Key role for AI in managing problem of fl exible

plastic waste: Ufl ex chief

Artifi cial intelligence (AI) has a Poland, and Mexico. We are the only
key role in solving the problem of company that is working within India
fl exi-ble packaging waste, according to and globally on innovative solutions
Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, Founder, Chairman, in fl exible MLP (multi-layer packag-
and Managing Director, UFlex Group, ing) materials and PCR (post-consumer
a Noida-based leading fl exible pack- recyclates) and its applications,” he
aging and solutions provider. He was added.
speaking at the ‘11th Specialty Films &
Flexible Packaging Global Business “By leveraging these AI technolo-
Summit 2024’ held in Mumbai recently. gies, we can enhance our recycling
processes and contribute to a more sus-
Mr. Chaturvedi presented an over- tainable future. The future of packaging
view of the genesis and evolution of lies in our ability to innovate sustain-
fl exible packaging and the signifi cant ably and responsibly. We invite regula-
impact of AI in managing the problem tors, policymakers, brand owners, and
of fl exible plastic waste. making signifi cant investments in these other producers to witness this techno-
technologies, and we will be ready logy at our facilities in early 2025. We
“The need of the hour is to deploy to showcase our MVP in the coming will be happy to collaborate with the
advanced AI sorting technologies that months. These advanced technologies industry to scale this and deliver on our
will use sensors to separate food-grade will be integrated into our global recy- Government’s EPR and sustainability
from non-food-grade plastics. UFlex is cling infrastructure, which spans India, goals,” he concluded.
IMPORT CONDITIONS

Lab chemical’s packaged quantity should not exceed

500 ml: CBIC

Effective from September 19, only than purposes like trading, further “If the importer submits an under-
chemical packages of 500 gm or 500 ml sale, etc.) in packings not exceeding taking before the Deputy Commis-
will be categorised as laboratory chemi- 500 grams or 500 millilitres and which sioner of Customs or the Assistant
cals and attract an import duty at 10%. can be identifi ed with reference to the Commissioner of Customs, as the case
purity, markings or other features to may be, that the goods so imported
According to a notifi cation from show them to be meant for use solely shall be for use in laboratory or for use
the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & as laboratory chemicals. in research and development purposes,
Customs (CBIC), Department of Revenue, and shall not be sold or traded after
Ministry of Finance, Government of Earlier, with effect from August 1, importation...” the notifi cation dated
India, packages with larger quantity the Finance Ministry offered relief for July 31 read. “In case of failure to
will attract a differential or higher researchers and academicians by carv- comply with this condition, he shall be
duty. ing out a new section for the use of lab liable to pay, in respect of such quan-
chemicals for R&D purposes. A noti- tity of the said goods as is proved to
According to a CBIC circular, “labo- fi cation was issued under which those have not been so used for the specifi ed
ratory chemicals” means all chemi- importing lab chemicals for R&D and purposes, an amount equal to the duty
cals, organic or inorganic, whether or lab use will be taxed on customs duty leviable on such quantity but for the
not chemically defi ned, imported and only at 10%. Such importers must exemption under this notifi cation,” it
intended only for own use (i.e., other submit an undertaking. added.

138 Chemical Weekly October 8, 2024

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