REGULATORY · MARKET STRUCTURE · INDIA
Kerala Chief Electoral Officer bans non-recyclable campaign materials
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The Kerala Chief Electoral Officer prohibited campaign posters, banners, billboards and hoardings made from non-recyclable PVC flex, polyester, nylon and plastic-coated cloth for the 2026 Assembly polls.
Why it matters
The Chief Electoral Officer issued a circular in February that bans campaign materials manufactured from non-recyclable PVC flex, polyester, nylon and plastic-coated cloth for the 2026 Assembly election. Permitted materials are limited to government-approved products such as 100% cotton, plastic-free paper or recyclable polyethylene approved by the Pollution Control Board. All permitted campaign materials must display a PVC-free label, a recyclable logo, printing-unit details and the PCB certificate number or QR code. A projection estimates 5,972 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste during the election season, including 2,150 tonnes of banners and hoardings, 980 tonnes of flags and festoons, and 1,416 tonnes of disposable cups, plates and prohibited plastic sachets.
Implications
- · Campaign organizers and political parties must source only approved plastic-free or PCB-certified recyclable materials for printed campaign items.
- · Printing and signage vendors must obtain Pollution Control Board approval and include PVC-free labels, recyclable logos, printing-unit details and PCB certificate numbers/QR codes on materials.
- · Local election logistics and waste-management operators must account for a projected 5,972 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste during the election season.
Who is affected
- · Campaign organizers and political parties
- · Printing and signage vendors
- · Election compliance and enforcement teams
- · Local waste-management operators
What to watch
- · April 9, 2026 Assembly election date
Source
Topics
Law & Public Safety Regulatory Actions Climate & Environment Sustainability Environmental Regulation