Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic Packaging
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that makes manufacturers, importers, and brand owners financially and physically responsible for the entire lifecycle of their plastic packaging, including post-consumer collection and recycling. India notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022 to establish a mandatory EPR framework.
- Under EPR rules (notified February 2022), producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) dealing in plastic packaging must register on a centralised EPR portal and meet annual plastic waste collection and recycling targets.
- EPR targets are staggered: rising from 30% recycling in 2021-22 to 70% by 2024-25 for rigid plastics; 50% by 2024-25 for flexible plastics.
- PIBOs can fulfil EPR obligations by tying up with recyclers, waste processors, or co-processors, or by purchasing EPR certificates on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) portal.
- The EPR framework is designed to address plastic packaging that remains legal (above 120 micron carry bags, bottles, wrappers), complementing the outright ban on the 19 SUP categories.
- Informal waste pickers (kabadiwalas) are the backbone of India's plastic recovery system; formal EPR integration with the informal sector remains a governance challenge.
● Tracked since March 26, 2026 · last seen April 29, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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