Man-made fibres, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, are widely used in the textile and apparel industry. These fibres are synthetic in nature, made from petrochemical-based products like petroleum or natural gas. The production process uses many chemicals and generates a lot of waste, which can affect the surrounding environment if not treated appropriately. To protect the environment, the Government of India has enacted the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and has established strict environmental standards for industries, including the man-made fibre sector. Standards set for emissions and discharges ensure that the industry maintains a balance between industrial development and environmental protection.

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Understanding the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is a comprehensive law enacted by the Government of India to protect the environment. The Act provides a framework for the prevention and control of pollution in various sectors. It gives the government the power to control and regulate industries and activities that could potentially harm the environment. The Act empowers the Central Government to lay down rules and regulations for environmental protection. One such regulation is the Environment (Protection) Regulations, 1986, which provides detailed guidelines on pollution control for various industries, including the man-made fibre industry. These regulations have been amended several times to address emerging environmental concerns, including stricter guidelines for the man-made fibre sector.

Importance of Standards for Man-Made Fibres (Synthetic)

The importance of the man-made fibres (synthetic) standards are: 

• Environmental Protection: Emissions and waste standards play an important role in reducing pollution from chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon disulphide, which can severely damage air, water, and soil quality. These standards ensure that harmful substances are kept within safe limits, thereby protecting the environment.
• Public Health and Safety: By regulating toxic chemicals, these standards reduce the exposure of workers and local communities to hazardous substances. This helps prevent health problems such as respiratory problems, skin diseases or long-term illnesses caused by chemicals such as hydrogen sulphide and ammonia.
• Encouragement of Sustainable Practices: The rules encourage industry to adopt more sustainable, cleaner technologies. By setting strict guidelines, they encourage the development of more efficient production methods, reduce the environmental footprint, and promote eco-friendly practices in the region.
• Industry Growth and Sustainability: Compliance with these standards ensures that the man-made fibre industry can grow while protecting public health and the environment. This long-term approach helps to maintain a balance between industrial development and environmental protection, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the industry.
• Ecosystem Protection: Waste discharge standards help protect aquatic ecosystems by regulating the quality of wastewater discharged into rivers, lakes, or oceans. By controlling levels of pollutants, these standards prevent ecosystem degradation and maintain biodiversity.
• Technological Innovation: Regulatory requirements drive industry to innovate, leading to the development of cleaner and more efficient technologies. This reduces the consumption of resources and promotes sustainability in the textile sector.

Also Read: Environmental Protection Act 1986 

Effluent Standards for the Man-Made Fiber Industry

Effluent standards are necessary to control the quality of wastewater that man-made fibre industries discharge into surface waters, land for irrigation, or the marine environment. These standards set limits on various pollutants, ensuring that discharged water does not harm aquatic ecosystems or human health. Key parameters for effluent discharge include pH, suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and zinc concentration. In addition, for the production of viscose staple fibres and viscose filament yarns, the recovery of sodium sulphate should not be less than 60%, minimizing the environmental impact of by-products.

Emission Standards for Man-Made Fiber Plants

Emission standards focus on controlling the release of air pollutants, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous gases. The man-made fibre industry, especially acrylic fibre production, is a significant source of these emissions. For new plants built after December 1, 1998, a minimum stack height of 30 m is required to effectively disperse emissions and improve air quality. This rule helps reduce the concentration of pollutants near the ground. The following table shows the permissible limits for VOCs, carbon disulphide, and hydrogen sulphide in the workplace, as well as the required stack heights for new plants.

Wastewater Production Standards

Wastewater production standards regulate the amount of wastewater generated during the construction process. These standards help regulate water use and ensure that industries treat wastewater before it is released into the environment. These standards ensure that the amount of wastewater generated is consistent with the production processes and that appropriate treatment measures are in place to manage it. The wastewater generated varies depending on the type of plant and the fibre produced, as shown in the table below:

Also Read: What are the Standards for Emission or Discharge of Environmental Pollutants for Sugar Industry?

Load/Mass Based Emission Standards

Load/mass-based emission standards focus on regulating the amount of specific pollutants released per ton of fibre produced. These standards are more detailed and target hazardous chemicals such as carbon disulphide, hydrogen sulphide, and ammonia. These standards ensure that the industry minimizes the release of harmful pollutants in proportion to the amount of fibre produced, thereby reducing the environmental impact of its operations. The table below shows the emission limits for different pollutants in different types of plants:

Monitoring and Enforcement

Industries must install monitoring stations around their plants to ensure compliance with environmental standards. The location of these stations is determined with the help of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). Routine checks for emissions, including carbon disulphide and hydrogen sulphide, are required. If emissions exceed the limit, penalties or actions can be applied. Authorities are responsible for monitoring and inspection to ensure that standards are upheld.

Conclusion

The man-made fibre industry plays an important role in global textile production. However, without proper regulation, the environmental impact of synthetic fibres can be detrimental. The emission and waste standards established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 serve as an important tool to reduce the environmental footprint of the industry. By following these standards, the industry can contribute to sustainable development while protecting air, water, and soil quality for future generations. These regulations also encourage industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices, ensuring a better balance between industrial development and environmental protection.