The first steps towards building a circular economy for plastics
Across the globe, growing waste and resource depletion are driving the push toward a circular economy, particularly in the plastics sector. Plastics, while useful, are often mismanaged at the end of life. In India, municipal waste is set to nearly double by 2050, prompting government action through bans on single-use plastics and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules. While PET recycling is strong, other plastic types lag behind due to design complexity and limited infrastructure. Informal workers—about four million—play a key role in waste collection but lack adequate support. Investments exceeding ₹10,000 crore have boosted recycling capabilities, yet challenges remain in scaling high-quality recycling for diverse materials. Efforts by the Confederation of Indian Industry focus on capacity building, public awareness, and promoting recyclable packaging. Citizen engagement, design standardization, and consistent messaging are essential for long-term success. While progress is slow, India is steadily building the foundation for a sustainable, circular plastics economy. Learn more about this study.
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