February 8, 2025 – India’s Bold Moves in Combating Plastic Pollution: A Push for Sustainable Packaging by 2030
India’s government has been actively tackling the global challenge of plastic pollution in recent years, unveiling a series of policies aimed at promoting sustainable plastic packaging. The ambitious target is to ensure that all plastic packaging contains an average of 25% recycled material by 2030. This initiative not only revises the Plastic Waste Management Rules but also paves the way for the use of recycled plastics in food contact materials.
To address this pressing issue, the Indian government has outlined several concrete measures, with the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system standing out prominently. Under the India Plastic Pledge launched in 2021, four action targets for 2030 have been established, including listing single-use plastics, ensuring reusability or recyclability of plastic packaging, enhancing effective recycling rates, and setting clear average recycled content targets for plastic packaging. These goals provide a clear direction for the sustainable development of India’s plastic industry.
According to the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, on March 14, 2024, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change released revised Plastic Waste Management Rules, broadening the scope of EPR and specifying recycled content targets for different categories of plastic packaging. This revision not only brings producers, importers, and brand owners of plastic packaging into the EPR framework but also holds them responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including recycling and reuse. This move is set to drive the transformation and upgrading of India’s plastic industry, accelerating the growth of the recycled plastic market.
Furthermore, the Indian government has imposed a ban on single-use plastics, prohibiting the production and use of 19 types of disposable plastic items. Additionally, plastic retail bags below a certain thickness standard have been outlawed, further reducing plastic pollution. However, implementing these bans faces numerous challenges, requiring collaborative efforts from the government, businesses, and society to strengthen regulation and enforcement.
In promoting plastic recycling, India has also taken the step of banning the import of solid plastic waste, providing more market space for domestic recycling companies. Simultaneously, the use of recycled plastics in food contact materials is now permitted, provided they meet relevant standards. This policy shift is poised to boost the development of the recycled plastic market.
Against this backdrop, India’s plastic recycling industry is embracing new development opportunities. Many companies are increasing investments and R&D efforts to enhance recycling technologies and innovate solutions. For instance, Ganesha Ecosphere has become an industry leader through technological innovation and capacity expansion. International enterprises are also optimistic about India’s plastic recycling market, strengthening cooperation and exchanges with Indian companies.
Looking ahead, India’s waste plastic recycling industry, fueled by policy support, technological innovation, and market demand, is expected to maintain a rapid growth trajectory. Investors can focus on technology-driven enterprises, seize market opportunities, and enhance international cooperation to jointly promote the sustainable development of India’s plastic recycling industry.