NEW DELHI — India is strengthening its circular economy strategy by introducing progressively higher recycled content requirements for rigid plastic packaging, with a mandatory minimum of 60% recycled plastic set to take effect by the 2028–29 financial year.

The requirement is part of India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for plastic packaging and applies to producers, importers and brand owners using Category I rigid plastic packaging.

Recycled Content Targets Drive Circular Packaging

The new rules introduce a phased approach that gradually increases the percentage of recycled material required in rigid plastic packaging over several years.

The policy is expected to boost demand for high-quality recycled polymers, including recycled PET (rPET) and recycled HDPE (rHDPE), while encouraging greater investment throughout the plastic recycling value chain.

By creating predictable demand for recycled resin, the regulation aims to reduce dependence on virgin plastics and strengthen material circularity.

Recycling Industry Set for Expansion

The higher recycled content requirements are expected to accelerate investment in India’s recycling infrastructure.

Greater collection, sorting and processing capacity will be needed to supply packaging manufacturers with recycled plastics that meet technical, food-contact and quality requirements.

The rules are also expected to improve material traceability, with producers increasingly required to document recycled content and verify compliance across their supply chains.

Packaging Design Expected to Evolve

The regulation is likely to influence packaging design by encouraging formats that are easier to collect, sort and recycle.

Packaging manufacturers are expected to place greater emphasis on design-for-recycling principles while working more closely with recyclers and resin suppliers to secure reliable supplies of recycled materials.

Global Packaging Industry Watches India’s Market

As one of the world’s largest packaging markets, India’s recycled content mandate is expected to influence both domestic and international packaging suppliers.

The policy reflects a broader global trend toward mandatory recycled content requirements as governments seek to reduce plastic waste, expand recycling capacity and support circular economy objectives.

For packaging companies, strengthening recycling partnerships, investing in recycled materials and improving supply chain resilience are likely to become increasingly important as packaging regulations continue to evolve worldwide.

Last Updated on 15/07/2026 by Jota Machinery