Reviving the Circular Economy: APR Bharat Calls for PET Recycling Enforcement

The Association of PET Recyclers of Bharat (APR Bharat) is calling on the government to enforce the recycled content rules under the Plastic Waste Management regulations. This initiative seeks to provide a framework for ensuring that brand owners comply promptly with the new requirements.

According to APR Bharat, more than two million rag pickers, crucial players in India's PET recycling industry, are struggling due to a delay in adopting these rules, initially set to be implemented by April 2025. Goutham Jain, Director General of APR Bharat, highlighted the decline in demand for recycled PET, severely impacting rag pickers' income.

The association maintains that enforcing these rules now could alleviate a stagnating recycling industry, stabilize prices, and protect both workers and industrial investments. This move would also help restore confidence in India's regulatory landscape, they argued.

(With inputs from agencies.)