Changes in Indian Policies Driving Brands to a Circular Economy

Changes in Indian Policies Driving Brands to a Circular Economy

India is a rapidly developing economy with a population of over 1.3 billion people. With increasing economic growth and consumption, the country has seen a surge in waste generation and environmental pollution. To address these challenges, India has implemented several policies to transition towards a circular economy. These policies have been instrumental in driving brands towards a circular economy. Here are some of the key changes in Indian policies that are driving this transition:

1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – EPR is a policy that places the responsibility for the end-of-life management of a product on the producer. In India, the EPR policy has been extended to various sectors, including e-waste, plastic waste, and packaging waste. The EPR policy has encouraged brands to redesign their products, reduce waste generation, and increase recycling.
2. Plastic Waste Management Rules (PWM) – The PWM rules were introduced in 2016 to regulate the use and disposal of plastic waste. The rules include a ban on single-use plastics, mandatory use of recyclable plastics, and a requirement for the collection and disposal of plastic waste. Brands have been forced to rethink their packaging and product design to comply with these rules.
3. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) – The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched in 2014 with the aim of making India clean and free of open defecation. The campaign has since expanded to include waste management and recycling. The campaign has created awareness about waste segregation, recycling, and composting, encouraging brands to adopt more sustainable practices.
4. Make in India – Make in India is a campaign launched in 2014 to promote manufacturing and investment in India. The campaign aims to increase domestic production and reduce imports, leading to a more sustainable and self-reliant economy. Brands have been encouraged to manufacture locally, reduce transportation-related emissions, and adopt sustainable production practices.
5. National Biofuel Policy – The National Biofuel Policy was launched in 2018 to promote the use of biofuels and reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels. The policy aims to create a market for biofuels, promote research and development, and encourage the use of waste as a feedstock for biofuels. Brands have been encouraged to explore the use of biofuels in their operations and reduce their carbon footprint.

Conclusion

The Indian government’s policies have been instrumental in driving brands towards a circular economy, creating a more sustainable and self-reliant economy. The above-mentioned policies have created a conducive environment for brands to transition to a circular economy.

Switching to rPET packaging from PET packaging can be a really healthy step for brands towards establishing a circular economy. Go Rewise, one of the leading rPET material manufacturing companies, can help brands in India comply with changing government policies. With Go Rewise, brands can obtain EPR-certified rPET products, which further contributes to a sustainable supply chain.