Page 36 - Plastics News - April 2026

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

♦ Mandatory labelling provisions require: ♦ Audits may be conducted through desig-
nated agencies or Registered Environmental
• Clear indication of recycled content
Auditors
• Compliance with applicable food safety ♦ This provision introduces an additional layer
regulations for food-contact materials
of transparency and accountability in report-
3.3 Strengthened Governance Framework ing and verification processes

Enforcement responsibilities have been signifi- 4. Mandatory Recycled Content Targets
cantly expanded to ensure wider coverage:
The amendment prescribes phased targets for
♦ Urban Local Bodies the use of recycled plastic content in packag-
ing:
♦ Local Authorities in peri-urban regions

♦ Gram Panchayats in rural areas Category 2025–26 2026–27 2027–28 2028–29
onwards
♦ District-level Panchayats Category I 30% 40% 50% 60%
(Rigid)
Category II 10% 10% 20% 20%
This decentralized approach aims to ensure ef- (Flexible)
fective implementation across both urban and Category 5% 5% 10% 10%
rural jurisdictions. III (MLP)

3.4 State-Level Monitoring Mechanism These targets apply to Producers, Importers,
and Brand Owners.
The amendment mandates the establishment of
State-Level Monitoring Committees comprising: Exemptions:

♦ Senior government officials Relaxation is permitted in cases where the use
of recycled plastic is restricted under other ap-
♦ Representatives from Pollution Control plicable regulations, such as food safety stand-
Boards ards.

♦ Industry stakeholders 4.1 Importer-Specific Provisions

♦ Experts and non-governmental organiza- Importers are subject to distinct compliance re-
tions
quirements:
These committees are tasked with overseeing ♦ Recycled content within imported packag-
implementation, ensuring inter-departmental ing cannot be directly counted toward ob-
coordination, and monitoring compliance at the ligations
state level.
♦ Compliance must be achieved through the
3.5 Environmental Auditing purchase of certificates from entities ex-

ceeding their prescribed targets
To strengthen compliance verification:

38 PLASTICS NEWS April 2026