Archive · 11 Dec 2025
India's Beverage Carton Recycling Hits 48%
India has made big progress in recycling used food and drink cartons.
The recycling rate has gone up to 48% from 29% in 2011.
This is because many people and groups, like Tetra Pak, the government, and NGOs, have worked together.
In big cities, the recycling rate is even higher at 64%.
People are also learning more about how to recycle, which helps.
The goal is to keep improving by using new technology and making sure all parts of the carton can be recycled.
India is doing better than the global average of 27%, and there are plans to make even more progress in the future.
India's beverage carton recycling rate has increased to 48%, surpassing the global average of 27%.
The recycling rate in 24 major cities is nearly 64%, driven by collaborative efforts among stakeholders.
Consumer awareness and education are key drivers of the increased recycling rates.
The focus is shifting to 'active' waste streams to ensure full material recovery and create opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Technology and sustainable package design are critical for future improvements in recycling efficiency.
- Who
- India, Tetra Pak, government, NGOs, recyclers, consumers
- What
- Increase in beverage carton recycling rate to 48%
- When
- Study conducted recently, progress over 14 years
- Where
- Pan-India, with higher rates in 24 major cities
- Why
- Collaborative efforts, government initiatives, consumer awareness, and technological advancements
- Recycling Rate
- 48% nationally, 64% in major cities
- Global Average
- 27%
- Study Conducted By
- The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
- Key Stakeholders
- Tetra Pak, government, NGOs, recyclers, consumers
- Future Focus
- Technology, sustainable design, end-market demand
- Recycled Content Milestone
- 5% recycled content in plastic part of cartons