Extended Producer Responsibility: Time to Act

The Growing Plastic Menace

Plastic has become ubiquitous—found in our oceans, on land, and even in the air we breathe. It is choking ecosystems and threatening all forms of life. Plastic waste has become an invisible demon, floating in the ocean, crawling through the soil, and flying in the atmosphere.

According to research, nearly 60% of all plastic produced since 1950 has ended up in landfills or the natural environment. A significant portion of this comes from food packaging—about 40% of total plastic consumption is used for packaging food.

In India, the problem is massive. The country generates 9.46 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, and nearly 40% of it remains uncollected, as reported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). This not only harms human health but also endangers countless other species sharing our environment.

Evolution of Plastic Waste Management Rules in India The 2009 Framework

Evolution of Plastic Waste Management Rules in India
The 2009 Framework

India’s first attempt to manage plastic waste came with the Plastic (Manufacture, Usage, and Waste Management) Rules, 2009, introduced under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. However, plastics were not yet recognized as a serious environmental threat.

The 2011 Amendment

This changed with the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, which laid the foundation for systematic waste collection and management. The amendment assigned responsibility to local bodies for waste collection and monitoring, and banned the manufacture, storage, and distribution of plastic carry bags thinner than 40 microns.

The 2016 Rules – A Stronger Framework

  • Recognizing the growing crisis, the government introduced the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, which brought key improvements:
  • Increased thickness of plastic carry bags from 40 to 50 microns to encourage reuse and facilitate recycling.
  • Expanded jurisdiction from municipal areas to rural regions.
  • Introduced a “collect back” system requiring waste generators to coordinate with local bodies for collection plans.
  • Established a producer tracking system through state and national registrations for manufacturers operating in multiple states.
  • Acknowledged “thermoset” plastics and proposed the phasing out of multi-layered plastics within two years.

The 2018 Amendment

  • On March 27, 2018, the rules were amended to clarify that the phasing out applied only to multi-layered packaging that is non-recyclable, non-energy recoverable, or without alternate use.
  • The amendment also removed Rule 15, which required vendors using carry bags to deposit ₹4,000 per month. However, it added a new requirement mandating brand owners to register with the State or National Pollution Control Boards.
  • While these amendments provided direction, enforcement remained weak. Producers and consumers largely continued unchecked, limiting the effectiveness of the regulations.
The Push for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

The Push for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

In June 2020, the MoEFCC released the Draft Uniform Framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the 2016 rules. The draft introduced two key models:

  1. Fee-Based Model
  • This model aims to strengthen three main components of the plastic waste system:
  • Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
  • Waste collectors
  • Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities
  • Producers, importers, and brand owners would pay a fee based on the amount of plastic waste they generate. These funds would be managed by a State-Level Advisory Board (SLAB), which would oversee disbursement and include representatives from producer organizations.
  • The model also requires registration of all participants in the EPR system—from ragpickers to recyclers—and funds IEC activities to build awareness.
  1. PRO and Plastic Credit Model
  • The Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) model allows producers to either:
  • Establish their own PRO to manage waste collection and recycling, or
  • Partner with an accredited processor and obtain plastic credits as proof of recycling.
  • This system could include product take-back mandates and recycling rate targets, supported by tradable recycling credits—either at an individual company level or industry-wide.
  • While the draft also mentioned a voluntary product take-back scheme, its effectiveness in India remains questionable given weak enforcement and consumer participation.

Despite being open for stakeholder comments until July 31, 2020, there has been little progress since. Industry resistance—stemming from the added financial responsibility—has likely delayed implementation. However, swift action is essential if India is to combat the escalating plastic crisis.

The Way Forward

  • The draft EPR framework presents an opportunity for responsible corporations to lead by example. By voluntarily implementing these measures, companies can not only mitigate environmental harm but also strengthen consumer trust in their sustainability commitments.
  • Plastic pollution is no longer an isolated issue—it is a global environmental emergency. India, as one of the largest plastic producers and consumers, must enforce its policies rigorously while encouraging innovation in sustainable packaging and recycling systems.
  • The battle against plastic waste must be fought on three fronts:
  • Policy and enforcement – Strengthening rules and ensuring accountability.
  • Industry responsibility – Making producers pay for their waste and supporting circular economy models.
  • Consumer awareness – Encouraging responsible consumption and segregation at the source.

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