Plastics Life Cycle Management: A Balanced Approach to Economy and Pollution

Plastic has become an integral part of modern life, from healthcare to packaging and infrastructure. Its versatility and cost-effectiveness have contributed to global economic growth, spurring innovation across all industries. In healthcare, plastic is essential for sterile medical equipment, and in packaging it preserves food and reduces waste. However, mismanagement of plastic waste and environmental pollution, especially as a result of improper disposal, have become one of the most serious environmental problems of our time. While plastic has undoubtedly shaped the global economy, widespread dependence on disposable products and poor waste management have led to severe environmental pollution, especially in developing countries.

Plastic has played a critical role in India’s economic rise, fueling the growth of industries such as manufacturing, healthcare and infrastructure. As the sector continues to expand, its contribution to employment and innovation becomes increasingly significant. With a strong export market that has grown from $500 million to $776 million in just two years, plastics are emerging as a key player in India’s trade ecosystem. In addition, the plastics sector has created jobs for younger generations and contributed to the broader goal of creating a $5 trillion economy.

India produces 9.3 million tons of plastic annually, a staggering figure that has led to widespread pollution due to improper waste disposal. Clogged waterways, overflowing landfills and microplastics in ecosystems highlight the country’s struggle to manage the environmental impact of plastic use. The problem is not the plastics themselves, but the failure to balance their economic benefits with the economic costs of effective waste management practices. Without decisive action, long-term environmental damage will eclipse short-term economic benefits.

While national efforts are critical, India must also actively participate in global initiatives to combat plastic pollution, such as the Global Plastics Compact, which is currently being negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations. This treaty represents a historic opportunity for global cooperation to establish legally binding obligations on the production, recycling and management of plastic waste. By signing and supporting such international agreements, India could strengthen its leadership in global environmental diplomacy, joining the global movement towards sustainable development.

The Business Coalition for the Global Plastics Treaty, which represents a broad range of industry leaders both domestically and internationally, is a strong advocate for the treaty. Under the motto “Business needs global rules,” the coalition emphasizes that common global standards are necessary for companies to effectively manage plastic waste and move toward more sustainable practices. The coalition’s push for clear and consistent international rules underscores growing recognition that solving the plastic pollution crisis requires coordinated action across countries and industries.

India’s participation in the Global Plastics Compact will not only strengthen its environmental credentials, but will also provide access to international technology transfer, financing and partnerships that can accelerate the transition to a circular plastics economy. Additionally, the treaty can help India harmonize its domestic policies with international best practices by encouraging innovation in biodegradable materials, sustainable packaging and circular economy solutions. Signing such a treaty would reaffirm India’s commitment to sustainable growth while ensuring that its industry remains competitive on the global stage.

Recycling management is critical to effectively mitigating the effects of plastic pollution while supporting economic growth, as it focuses on the end-of-life stage of plastic products where potential environmental harm is greatest. India’s approach to recycling management is exemplified by the Plastic Waste Management Rules (PWMR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, which encourage collaboration between government, industry and consumers. The policy promotes accountability and innovation among businesses by ensuring they take proactive steps to manage plastic waste responsibly. In particular, the EPR principle has been adopted by many manufacturers and FMCG companies who are now working on more environmentally friendly packaging solutions that can be reused, recycled or safely disposed of. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances environmental responsibility, but also helps businesses remain competitive by aligning with global sustainability trends.

However, one of the most challenging aspects of plastic waste management lies in the collection process. Without an effective and incentivized system for collecting plastic waste, especially in remote or underserved areas, efforts to recycle or reuse it will not be successful. To address this problem, there is a need to focus on encouraging plastic waste collection, especially in informal sectors. This could include providing financial incentives to waste pickers, expanding formal partnerships with informal workers, or providing government-backed subsidies for efficient waste collection infrastructure. By making collection financially viable and simplifying logistics, India can ensure that plastic waste is channeled into appropriate recycling channels, closing its life cycle and preventing pollution at the source.

India has already set ambitious targets such as achieving 30% recycled plastic content in packaging by 2026 and increasing to 60% by 2029. However, these goals can only be achieved if we also tackle the hardest part of the process – collecting plastic waste. . Without better incentives to collect and recycle plastic waste, even the best recycling technologies will not be able to work on a large scale.

However, it is not enough to deal with plastic only at the end of its life cycle. We must rethink plastic from the ground up, adopting a life cycle approach that integrates sustainable practices at every stage – from production to disposal. This approach is forcing industries to redesign products, eliminate harmful chemicals, and use innovative alternatives. Solving the problem of plastic pollution requires systemic changes at every stage of the plastic life cycle, ensuring that the entire process – from design to disposal – promotes sustainability. This holistic strategy will be critical for India as we continue to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

India has made great strides in this direction with initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, which has not only promoted cleanliness but has also revolutionized the way the country approaches plastic waste. By modernizing waste collection and sorting systems, India is now better prepared to manage and recycle plastic waste. Models like SWaCH in Pune have further transformed waste management by integrating informal waste pickers into formal systems, empowering marginalized workers while improving waste recycling efficiency. Dry waste collection centers in Bangalore provide another example of how engaging the informal sector can significantly reduce waste in landfills, promoting a circular economy. Together, these initiatives reflect how coordinated efforts across sectors can lead to scalable change, helping India manage plastic waste more effectively.

India’s path forward emphasizes better governance and sustainable practices. Plastics remain vital to sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing; Therefore, the focus should be on strengthening recycling systems, promoting circular economy technologies, and exploring biodegradable alternatives to effectively mitigate environmental impacts.

By advocating for the Global Plastics Compact and strengthening domestic sustainability efforts, India can become a global leader in the fight against plastic pollution. This balanced approach not only preserves economic growth, but also paves the way for a sustainable and prosperous future in which environmental responsibility and industrial progress go hand in hand.

This article is authored by Siraj Bhattacharya, Chief Operating Officer, Gemcorp Recycling & Technologies.