Draft Environment Protection (EPR for Packaging made from Paper, Glass and Metal as Well as Sanitary Products) Rules, 2024 Released

The Ministry of Environment has released a draft of the Environment Protection (Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging Made from Paper, Glass, and Metal, as Well as Sanitary Products) Rules, 2024, to enhance Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) by ensuring environmentally sound management of specified packaging materials. Published on December 6, 2024, the draft rules aim to mitigate environmental pollution and encourage sustainable practices by promoting circular economy through reuse, recovery, and recycling, thereby creating new opportunities for economic activities, green jobs, and innovations.

Section 2 of the rules provides that it shall apply to producers, importers, brand owners (PIBOs), and waste processors who introduce the specified packaging in the market. Further, Section 6 of the rules mandates that the above-mentioned entities must register on the centralized online portal of EPR. For the PIBOs operating in one or two states, registration is done by SPCB/PCC, and for more than two states, by CPCB. Section 7 lays the targets for PIBOs for recycling packaging waste generated from the specified materials.

In addition, SPCB/PCCs are required to report on the waste management initiatives and recycling compliance by the PIBOs in their jurisdiction. The Rules, 2024 also support the Swachh Bharat Mission by addressing India’s unique waste challenges and involving both formal and informal sectors in recycling efforts. Further, non-fulfillment of EPR targets by PIBOs attracts environmental compensation levied based on the polluter pays principle as per Section 9 of the Rules. Comments may be shared within 60 days of publication of the draft on December 6, 2024. 

Currently, 70–75% of paper and paperboard consumed in India are recycled, requiring about 20 million metric tons of waste paper annually. Also, the percentage of glass recycling is only around 35%, and the recycling infrastructure is still underdeveloped.