By Faridat Salifu
India has taken a significant step in the fight against plastic waste by implementing a bold new regulation that requires major beverage companies to incorporate recycled materials into their packaging.
As of April 1, 2025, brands such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are mandated to use PET bottles containing at least 30 percent recycled plastic. This requirement is set to increase by 10 percent annually, aiming for 60 percent recycled content by the fiscal year 2028-29.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to establish a sustainable circular economy, where plastic bottles are routinely collected, recycled, and transformed into new products.
By promoting the use of recycled materials, the Indian government hopes to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, public spaces, and waterways.
While this shift may lead to slightly higher prices for consumers—estimated to rise by about 30 percent in the short term—the long-term benefits are expected to outweigh these initial costs.
A decrease in plastic pollution can improve the environment, enhance public health, and potentially create a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come.
In addition to environmental benefits, the new policy is likely to stimulate innovation in packaging solutions. Companies may begin exploring biodegradable or plant-based alternatives, which could further reduce reliance on traditional plastics and contribute to a more sustainable product lifecycle.
However, the transition to using recycled materials is not without its challenges. Currently, only five plants in India are authorized to produce food-grade recycled PET, and their combined output meets just 15 percent of the average demand for PET bottles.
This limited capacity raises concerns about whether companies will be able to meet the new requirements in time.
PET bottles represent approximately 70 percent of beverage packaging in India, primarily due to their convenience and lower cost compared to alternatives like glass and aluminum cans.
As these companies adapt to the new regulations, they will need to invest in expanding production capacity for recycled materials.
Some companies are already contemplating legal action in response to the tight deadlines set by the government. Concerns have been raised about the impact on operations, particularly with the peak summer season approaching, when demand for beverages typically surges.
An unnamed executive expressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that investments in capacity will take two to three years to materialize, potentially leading to significant operational challenges.
As India moves forward with this ambitious initiative, the balance between environmental responsibility and economic feasibility will be closely monitored.
The success of this policy could serve as a model for other countries grappling with plastic waste and looking to create a more sustainable future. END