Archive · 1 Aug 2025
Recycled PET Industry Faces Crisis Amid Policy Issues in India
Imagine companies that make plastic bottles need to use recycled plastic.
The government set a rule for this, but now they changed it a bit.
The change makes it easier for big companies to delay using the recycled plastic.
This is a problem for the companies that recycle plastic, who invested lots of money in their factories.
If the big companies don't buy the recycled plastic, the recycling factories might close, which is bad for the environment and makes the whole system collapse.
Recycled PET industry in India faces crisis due to poor uptake of recycled plastic.
Brand owners delay compliance with recycled plastic targets.
The Ministry of Environment proposed amendments to the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules.
Industry invested ₹7,500-8,000 crore in r-PET plants.
Industry voices warn that policy disconnect may jeopardize India's climate commitments.
- Who
- The Association of PET Recyclers (Bharat), brand owners, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- What
- The recycled PET industry faces a crisis due to poor uptake of recycled plastic.
- When
- The issue is current, with amendments proposed in June 2025 and effective from April 1, 2025.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Brand owners are delaying compliance due to policy ambiguity.
Recyclers' Concerns
Brand Owners' Stance
Impact of Policy Amendments
Recyclers' Concerns
Delayed or avoided purchase of r-PET by brand owners due to the proposed amendments.
Brand Owners' Stance
Brand owners may be taking advantage of the rule change by delaying the purchase of recycled plastic.
- Industry
- Recycled PET
- Association
- Association of PET Recyclers (Bharat)
- Investment
- ₹7,500-8,000 crore
- Planned Capacity
- 4 lakh metric tonnes
- Recycled content target
- 30% in rigid Category-1 PET packaging by April 1, 2025