Understanding the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2025

1. What major regulations came into effect on April 1, 2025?

The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2025 introduced two important changes:

• Mandatory use of recycled plastic content in packaging
• Minimum reuse obligations for rigid plastic packaging by brand owners

2. Who must follow these rules?

These rules apply to Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) who manufacture, import, or sell plastic packaging in India.

3. What are the new requirements for recycled content?

For the financial year 2025–26:

• Rigid plastics: at least 30% recycled content
• Flexible plastics: at least 10% recycled content
• Multi-layer plastics: at least 5% recycled content

These percentages will increase annually. For example, rigid plastics must reach 60% recycled content by 2028–29.

4. What are the reuse obligations for rigid plastic packaging?

Brand owners must reuse a portion of their rigid plastic packaging:

• Packaging less than 4.9 litres or kilograms: reuse target starts at 10% in 2025–26, increasing to 25% by 2028–29.
• Packaging equal to or above 4.9 litres or kilograms: reuse target starts at 70% in 2025–26, rising to 85% by 2028–29.

5. Can companies buy compliance certificates?

Yes. Companies unable to meet targets can purchase certificates from other PIBOs who exceed theirs. The CPCB will set up a credit trading platform for this purpose.

6. Are any exemptions allowed?

Yes. The CPCB can grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis, especially in situations involving food safety, where recycled plastics may not be suitable.

7. What are the new marking and labeling norms?

All plastic packaging must be traceable. This can be done using barcodes, QR codes, unique identification numbers, or product brochures that meet traceability criteria.

8. What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and how is it related?

EPR places the responsibility of a plastic packaging’s full lifecycle on the PIBOs—from production to final disposal. The new rules tie EPR compliance to recycled and reusable packaging.

9. How will companies report compliance?

PIBOs must file annual reports detailing their plastic packaging usage, recycled content, and reuse figures. These reports will be reviewed and audited by the CPCB.

10. Why is this policy change important for India?

The rules help transition India from a linear economy to a circular economy, reducing reliance on virgin plastics and limiting plastic pollution.

11. What are the environmental and economic benefits?

• Encourages domestic recycling
• Reduces marine and landfill pollution
• Creates green jobs
• Builds transparent systems for plastic traceability

12. Are plastics used in food packaging covered?

Yes. However, reuse of such plastics must follow FSSAI safety regulations, prioritizing food safety over reuse targets.

13. Which products are most affected?

Items packaged in rigid plastics—such as water bottles, oil jars, shampoo bottles, and food tubs—are most impacted due to recycled content and reuse obligations.

14. What challenges may companies face?

• Redesigning packaging to meet the rules
• Sourcing high-quality recycled plastic
• Establishing traceability and audit systems