Page 45 - Plastics News June 2026
P. 45
FEATURE NEWS
tract investments, and integrate with global sup- recycling targets, and Extended Producer Re-
ply chains. sponsibility (EPR) regulations are reshaping
business models across the value chain.
The demand outlook remains robust for, Pack-
aging continues to be the largest consumer of According to CPCB Plastic Waste Management
plastics, fueled by e-commerce, food process- Annual Report estimates for 2021–22 India gen-
ing, pharmaceuticals, and organized retail. At erates more than four million tonnes (4.13 MT)
the same time, sectors such as electric vehi- of plastic waste annually, creating both an envi-
cles, renewable energy, medical devices, and ronmental challenge and a significant business
construction are creating new opportunities for opportunity. New regulations are encouraging
high-performance and specialty polymers. producers, brand owners, and recyclers to col-
laborate more closely to ensure responsible
Exports Gain Momentum
waste collection and recycling.
Export growth is emerging as another major The recycling segment is experiencing particu-
success story. According to dtaa India's plastics larly strong momentum. Industry estimates sug-
exports reached approximately USD 12.5 billion gest that India's organized recycled polymer
in FY25, up from USD 11.5 billion in the previous market is already worth between `15,000 crore
year. Product categories such as plastic films, and `20,000 crore annually and is growing at
sheets, packaging materials, woven sacks, and double-digit rates. Demand is being driven by
raw materials continue to witness strong over- corporate sustainability commitments, regula-
seas demand. Industry stakeholders are increas- tory compliance requirements, and growing ac-
ingly targeting markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, ceptance of recycled materials in manufacturing.
the Middle East, and Europe as companies di-
versify beyond traditional destinations. Gujarat,
India's largest exporting state, continues to play
a pivotal role through its extensive petrochemi-
cal and downstream manufacturing ecosystem.
However, exporters are also navigating a more
complex global environment marked by trade
barriers, sustainability regulations, and shift-
ing customer expectations. The ability to offer
traceable, recyclable, and environmentally com-
pliant products is becoming a competitive differ- Innovative recycling technologies are also gain-
entiator in international markets.
ing traction. Companies are investing in ad-
The Sustainability Imperative vanced sorting systems, chemical recycling, and
waste-to-resource solutions capable of process-
Perhaps the most significant transformation un- ing difficult-to-recycle plastics. These develop-
derway is the industry's response to sustain- ments are helping create a more circular plastics
ability challenges. Plastic waste management, economy while opening new revenue streams
June 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 47
