India’s waste tyre recycling sector is set for major policy discussions following the national conference Paryavaran NITI Manthan held in New Delhi on May 4, 2026.
Organised by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), the event brought together government officials, environmental regulators, recyclers, and industry stakeholders to address challenges and opportunities in the country’s circular economy framework.
A key topic during the conference was the need to reform India’s waste tyre management system, particularly to support the growing tyre pyrolysis industry. Industry representatives highlighted that limited domestic availability of end-of-life tyres has become a major concern for recycling and pyrolysis plants operating across the country. Discussions reportedly included proposals to allow controlled imports of waste tyres for recycling and energy recovery purposes.
Tyre pyrolysis has gained attention in recent years as a process that converts waste tyres into products such as pyrolysis oil, recovered carbon black, steel, and gas. Supporters of the industry believe it can help reduce landfill waste, lower environmental pollution, and create alternative raw materials for industrial applications. However, the sector has also faced regulatory scrutiny regarding emissions, environmental compliance, and quality standards.
Participants at the conference stressed the importance of introducing stricter monitoring systems, transparent recycling practices, and advanced technologies to improve sustainability within the tyre recycling sector. Policymakers also discussed strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanisms to ensure better collection and processing of waste tyres across India.
The event reflected India’s increasing focus on circular economy strategies as industries face rising pressure to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Experts noted that better policy support, investment in recycling infrastructure, and clearer regulations could help India build a more organised and environmentally responsible waste tyre recycling ecosystem.
Industry leaders believe that reforms discussed during the conference could support domestic manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and strengthen India’s recycling sector while reducing dependence on virgin raw materials.