India’s PET recycling industry, already the largest in the world by capacity, has seen an investment of Rs 10,000 crore over the past three years, with plans to double this investment in the near future, according to industry representatives.
Bhadresh Dodhia, director of the association of PET recyclers (Bharat), said the country recycles 95% of PET bottles annually, with a capacity of five lakh tonnes. He noted that government policies, such as the mandate for 30% recycled content in plastic packaging by 2025, have driven investment.
India’s plastics recycling market, estimated at 9.9 million tonnes in 2023, is projected to grow to 23.7 million tonnes by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 9.86%. Industry leaders highlighted the role of technology, food-grade ARPET granules, and a workforce of 50 lakh rag pickers in advancing the sector.
Taher Patrawala of Media Fusion pointed to private sector innovation in adopting circular economy models and reducing reliance on virgin materials. Matthew Barber of Crain Communications highlighted India’s recycling rate of 60%, which exceeds the global average of 9%.
The remarks were made at the UTECH India Sustainable Polyurethane & Foam Expo and Plastics Recycling Show India in Mumbai, where international experts, industry leaders and over 150 key exhibitors came together to focus on advancing sustainable practices in the polyurethane, foam and plastic recycling sectors.
