Compliance eased for managing plastic waste, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Plastic Waste Management Rules have been amended, allowing companies to defer meeting recycling targets.
• Companies can carry forward unfulfilled targets for up to three years, starting 2026-27, if they meet at least one-third of the deficit annually.
• A system of tradable certificates has been formalized, enabling companies to purchase credits to meet obligations.
• The amendment retains phased targets for recycled content and reuse in plastic packaging, as introduced under the EPR framework in 2022.
• By 2024-25, companies were required to collect and process 100% of the plastic they introduce into the market.

Detailed Insights:

• The amendment to the Plastic Waste Management Rules introduces flexibility for companies in meeting their recycling targets.
• Companies failing to meet targets in 2025-26 can carry forward the shortfall for three years, provided they address at least one-third of the deficit each year.
• The formalization of tradable certificates allows companies to meet obligations by purchasing credits, potentially reducing compliance costs.
• Targets do not apply where regulations like food safety standards restrict the use of recycled plastic, potentially excluding segments of packaging.
• The EPR framework, introduced in 2022, set collection targets for plastic waste producers and users of plastic packaging.
• For 2025-26, rigid plastic packaging must contain at least 30% recycled material, rising to 60% by 2028–29.
• Flexible plastics must meet a 10% recycled content requirement in 2025-26, increasing to 20% thereafter.
• Multi-layered plastics must meet a 5% threshold, rising to 10%, alongside reuse obligations for rigid packaging.
• By 2024-25, companies were required to collect and process the equivalent of 100% of the plastic they introduce into the market.
• There is no public evidence to suggest that the 100% collection target has been fully achieved in practice.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): A policy approach where producers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including waste management.
• Tradable Certificates: Credits that companies can buy or sell to meet their recycling obligations, providing flexibility in compliance.
• Plastic Waste Management Rules: Regulations governing the management of plastic waste, including collection, recycling, and disposal.