India has the potential to reuse up to 750 million tons (MT) of industrial waste, such as steel slag and fly ash, by 2030. This shift could also cut carbon dioxide emissions by 50–90 MT, according to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
“Circularity has become a major focus globally and in India. It challenges the idea that waste is simply waste-instead, it is a valuable resource,” said Sunita Narain, Director General at CSE. Circularity ensures that waste materials from production processes are reused in various ways, making economic systems circular rather than linear. This approach minimizes waste and promotes sustainability.
Government Push for a Circular Economy
India has recently increased its efforts to promote circularity. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted its importance in the 2025 Budget speech. Several initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the 2022 ban on single-use plastics, and the E-Waste Management Rules, reflect the country’s commitment to a circular economy.
India Lags Behind in Recycling
Despite these efforts, India still has a long way to go. The CSE report reveals that India’s industrial material consumption could double from seven billion tons in 2015 to 14.2 billion tons by 2030. While European nations recycle up to 70% of goods, India recycles only about 20%. Globally, the circular economy remains limited, with just 7.2% of the world’s economy classified as circular.
Industry and States Must Scale Up Circularity Efforts
Some Indian industries have already started implementing circularity practices, but these efforts need to expand. “Many industries are making progress, but we need to scale up these initiatives,” said Shobhit Srivastava, Industrial Pollution Programme Manager at CSE.
Certain states, including Gujarat, Goa, and Karnataka, have launched initiatives to improve circularity. However, more states must adopt similar measures to ensure sustainable industrial growth. As reported by theprint.in, by expanding these efforts, India can turn its industrial waste problem into an opportunity for resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.
