Chemicals Secretary calls for greater investment in advanced recycling, R&D, and global best practices to strengthen India’s circular plastics economy.
India’s plastics industry should shift its focus from recycling volume to higher-quality, value-added recycling by adopting advanced technologies and global best practices, according to Tejveer Singh, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. Speaking at the 3rd Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS 2026) in New Delhi, Singh emphasized that technological innovation will be key to strengthening India’s global competitiveness in plastic recycling.
While acknowledging that India is among the world’s leading plastic recycling nations, Singh said the industry’s next phase of growth should focus on producing high-quality recycled materials capable of meeting international standards. He stressed that improved quality and greater value addition are essential to supporting exports and advancing the country’s circular economy objectives.
The Secretary encouraged the industry to accelerate the adoption of advanced recycling technologies, including chemical recycling, to process complex plastic waste streams that are difficult to recycle through conventional mechanical methods. He also advocated the use of mono-material packaging, noting that simpler packaging structures can significantly improve recycling efficiency by making material separation easier.
Singh urged companies to invest more in research and development (R&D) and make greater use of government support schemes to develop innovative recycling technologies and sustainable material solutions. He called on industry players to collaborate with academic and research institutions to create practical projects that can strengthen India’s recycling ecosystem and improve technological capabilities.
Addressing environmental concerns, Singh said the plastics industry must continue to adopt an evidence-based approach to sustainability while learning from international best practices. He emphasized that environmental protection and industrial growth should go hand in hand, encouraging manufacturers to align with global sustainability standards and prepare for evolving international regulations.
The Secretary also highlighted the critical role of India’s informal waste collectors, describing them as an integral part of the country’s recycling ecosystem. He called for their gradual integration into the formal economy through better technology, improved collection systems, and structured support mechanisms that enhance recycling efficiency while creating more organized waste management practices.
Industry leaders participating in the conclave echoed the need for stronger collaboration between government, industry, and academia to accelerate the adoption of circular economy principles. With increasing global demand for sustainable materials and recycled plastics, stakeholders agreed that innovation, technology adoption, and quality-focused recycling will be essential for positioning India as a global leader in advanced plastic recycling.