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The Indian plastic industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country, driven by increasing demand across industries such as packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer goods. Valued at INR 3,697 billion in 2023, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2024 to 2030, reaching INR 5,784 billion by 2030. This growth is fuelled by the increasing population and urbanization, which has significantly boosted plastic consumption, presenting both economic opportunities and environmental challenges. The industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, including recycling and reducing plastic waste, while benefiting from government initiatives aimed at enhancing manufacturing and exports.
In 2001, Supriya Sahu, the District Collector of Nilgiri, led the Operation Blue Mountain campaign to ban plastic use in the district. This initiative was critical in addressing the growing issue of plastic pollution, which was clogging river sources and springs in the Nilgiris, a popular hill station. The campaign garnered significant recognition, with the former Planning Commission and UNDP documenting it as a best practice in governance from Indian states. To raise awareness, the campaign used impactful images of choking animals and highlighted how plastic waste blocks drains and contaminates water bodies, including lakes.
Sikkim, known for its cleanliness, took significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint by banning plastic water bottles and disposable foam products in government meetings and across the state. The ban was implemented to curb the environmental hazards posed by these items, which contributed to landfill waste. In place of plastic bottles, the government encouraged the use of filtered water, large reusable dispensers, and reusable bottles.
Maharashtra has revised its single-use plastic ban, permitting products made from compostable materials and plastic packaging with a thickness below 50 microns under certain conditions. Starting December 31, 2022, plastic carry bags must have a minimum thickness of 120 microns for reuse, while bags under 75 microns remain banned nationwide. The state has partially rolled back its 2018 ban on specific plastic items, aligning with the federal government’s plastic ban. The revised policy now allows the production and use of single-use disposable plastic items like straws, cups, plates, glasses, forks, spoons, and containers made from compostable plastic materials.
The Himachal Pradesh government passed the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act in 1995 to address the growing issue of plastic and non-biodegradable waste. This legislation aimed to promote scientific disposal methods and banned the use of coloured plastic carry bags made from recycled plastic. In 2009, the government introduced the Sustainable Plastic Waste Management Plan, which focuses on controlling plastic use and developing systematic disposal solutions. As part of its Clean Himachal and Healthy Himachal drive, the state prohibited plastic cups and plates in 2011, launched awareness campaigns to highlight the harmful effects of plastic waste, and encouraged citizens to reduce plastic consumption.
The Tidy Trails initiative, launched in Mathura-Vrindavan in September 2021, aimed to inspire residents to maintain a clean environment by collecting 25,000 kg of plastic waste from 800 establishments across the city. Engaging 6.2 lakh people through awareness campaigns, events, and competitions, it focused on promoting responsible plastic waste management. After its success in Mathura-Vrindavan, Tidy Trails was introduced in Agra to manage post-consumer plastic waste sustainably with support from Agra Nagar Nigam. Aligned with the ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign, the program aims to involve over 500 shops, recycling plastic waste into benches and chairs for distribution across the city.
