India’s plastic credit market set to reach US$1.67 billion by 2030

India’s plastic credit market is expected to grow to US$1.67 billion by 2030, fueled by extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations that mandate the use of recycled content in plastic packaging. While these policies are accelerating the shift toward circular economy practices, the sector continues to face hurdles such as sourcing high-quality recyclable plastic at viable prices and managing the complexities of reverse logistics. Industry experts stress the urgent need for robust and efficient collection infrastructure to support recyclers and sustain the market’s long-term expansion.

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India’s plastic credit market is poised for exponential growth, potentially reaching a valuation of US$1.67 billion by 2030, up from its current size of US$982 million, according to industry experts. This surge is being driven by a regulatory push under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, which mandates that plastic producers, importers, and brand owners use recycled content in their plastic packaging.

The plastic credit mechanism functions similarly to carbon credits. Companies can trade plastic credits — units that represent the verified collection and recycling of plastic waste — to meet their compliance obligations or sustainability goals. This market-based approach incentivizes recycling and builds accountability across the plastic value chain.

The use of recycled content in plastic packaging became a regulatory requirement from April 1, 2025. Under the EPR rules, companies are now obligated to incorporate 5% to 30% recycled plastic in their packaging in the first year, depending on the category of plastic used. This requirement will gradually increase to between 10% and 60% by the financial year 2028-29.

Industry insiders see the mandate as a much-needed boost to the recycling ecosystem. “It’s a big positive; the mandate has expanded the market for recyclers, incentivising industry to thrive,” said Rashi Agrawal, Chief Business Officer at Banyan Nation, a Hyderabad-based plastics recycling firm.

However, the growth of the plastic credit market isn’t without its hurdles. Key challenges revolve around the logistics of collecting plastic waste, procurement of recyclable material at scale, and establishing an effective price discovery mechanism for credits.

One major issue is reverse logistics — the process of collecting used plastics from consumers and transporting them to recycling facilities. It will be necessary to develop mechanisms so that plastics are collected efficiently from households and other sources, while managing the additional costs. Besides this, recyclers also face procurement bottlenecks.

The price discovery mechanism for plastic credits is another area that needs attention. As more organizations enter the plastic credit trading space, the market must develop transparent systems to determine fair pricing for credits, which can vary based on the type, volume, and origin of plastic waste recycled.

Despite these operational and infrastructural challenges, stakeholders are optimistic that the plastic credit market will play a crucial role in accelerating India’s transition to a circular economy. The rising demand for recycled content, fueled by regulatory pressure and increasing environmental consciousness among consumers and corporates, is likely to drive investments in collection infrastructure, recycling technologies, and digital tracking platforms.

To sustain this momentum, experts call for greater collaboration between government bodies, industry players, and waste management enterprises. Stronger public-private partnerships, better data management, and technological innovations such as traceability tools and AI-driven waste sorting systems could help streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies.

As India confronts its mounting plastic waste crisis, the plastic credit market is emerging as a vital solution — not only for meeting compliance targets under the EPR framework but also for building a more resilient and sustainable recycling ecosystem. If the challenges around logistics, procurement, and pricing are addressed effectively, the sector could become a cornerstone of India’s broader climate and sustainability ambitions.