The Association of PET Recyclers (APR) Bharat has sought to calm concerns raised by the beverage industry regarding a potential shortage of food-grade recycled PET (r-PET). It has firmly stated that India’s recycling ecosystem is fully prepared to meet regulatory requirements under the upcoming mandate.
In particular, APR Bharat confirmed that the industry has sufficient installed capacity and is well-positioned to support the 40% recycled content requirement for FY 2026–27, along with additional carry-forward obligations from FY 2025–26.
Government Mandate Sets Ambitious Recycling Targets
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has mandated that food-grade PET packaging must contain 40% recycled content starting April 1, 2026. Additionally, unmet obligations from FY 2025–26—where a 30% mandate applies—can be carried forward for up to three years, with at least one-third to be met annually.
As per press release, this regulatory framework is designed to accelerate India’s transition toward a circular economy while strengthening domestic recycling systems.
Recyclers Confirm Strong Installed Capacity
Explaining the industry’s preparedness, Goutham Jain, Director General of APR Bharat, emphasized that recyclers already possess both the technology and approvals required to meet demand.
He said, “We already have FSSAI-approved 17 food-contact r-PET plants with a combined capacity of around 3.56 lakh tonnes currently on stream, which is enough to meet the 40% recycled content requirement for FY 2026–27. This capacity can support the additional carry-forward requirement of up to 10% from FY 2025–26.”
Moreover, Jain added that expansion is underway at a rapid pace. By March 2027, food-grade r-PET capacity is expected to reach approximately 7.5 lakh tonnes, which will also support the anticipated increase to a 60% recycled content mandate in 2028–29.
Strong Investment Boosts Recycling Infrastructure
Over the past few years, the industry has invested more than ₹9,000 crore in building food-grade r-PET capacity. These investments span advanced recycling technologies, plant infrastructure, safety systems, and large-scale expansion projects.
Consequently, regulatory clarity under the PWM Amendment Rules and approvals from FSSAI have significantly strengthened investor confidence by ensuring predictable demand visibility.
However, Jain stressed that consistent adoption by brands is now crucial. If beverage companies adhere to r-PET usage targets, it will validate existing investments and further accelerate capacity expansion across the sector.
Industry Calls for Consistent Compliance
Under the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2022, brand owners were expected to actively collaborate with recyclers to develop recycling capacity. However, APR Bharat noted that instead of strengthening cooperation, there is growing pressure to delay compliance timelines.
“This risks derailing India’s circular economy ambitions and weakens global commitments to reduce plastic pollution,” Jain warned. He urged all stakeholders, particularly brand owners, to maintain strict adherence to regulatory timelines.
Furthermore, APR Bharat called for collective responsibility across the ecosystem, emphasizing that sustained compliance is essential for long-term stability.
r-PET Strengthens India’s Resource Security
The government’s mandate also plays a strategic role in improving India’s resource security. Dependence on imported virgin PET exposes the packaging industry to global supply chain disruptions and price volatility.
In contrast, a robust domestic r-PET ecosystem provides a more stable and resilient alternative. It reduces import dependence while strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, thereby ensuring greater supply chain security.
Circular Economy Benefits Extend to Informal Workers
Beyond industrial benefits, the r-PET transition has significant social implications. A large share of PET waste collection in India is handled by the informal sector, where nearly 50% of daily income depends on plastic waste recovery.
As demand for food-grade r-PET rises, more bottles are redirected into formal recycling channels. This shift is expected to improve income stability for waste pickers and generate additional employment opportunities in collection, sorting, aggregation, logistics, and processing.
Conclusion: Industry Ready, Adoption Now Key
APR Bharat reiterated that the recycling sector is fully prepared to meet both current and future mandates.
“The technology is ready. The capacity is ready. The industry has invested and is expanding further. What is needed now is steady adoption by brands and consistent adherence to the rules by the bottling and beverage industry,” Jain concluded.
