Page 39 - Plastics News - April 2026
P. 39
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
turning eligible packaging, allowing scrap deal-
ers and waste pickers to participate and earn
fixed values per container. This approach helps
formalise all waste management actors, includ-
ing informal waste pickers and scrap dealers.
Financial settlement via UPI integration:
When consumers scan the QR code at return
points, deposits will be refunded instantly to
their UPI accounts, eliminating the cash-handling
burden for small retailers.
waste ecosystem. Goa’s DRS model involves Closing the gaps in EPR compliance
key stakeholders across the waste value chain, D’Sa emphasises that the DRS is designed to
including manufacturers, consumers, and the in- complement and strengthen India’s existing EPR
formal waste economy.”
framework.
He highlights four foundational design choices “Under current national EPR rules, brands often
underpinning the scheme:
meet targets by purchasing certificates from re-
Digital traceability via unique QR codes: cyclers that may lack physical material traceabil-
ity. Moreover, EPR credits are often location-ag-
DRS will utilise unique QR codes on product la-
bels to track the lifecycle of each non-biode- nostic—a brand can collect plastic from another
gradable package from production to recycling. state to offset sales in Goa, leaving tourist hot-
This creates a transparent, fraud-resistant data spots with unmanaged litter and no dedicated
trail that enables consumers to claim refunds clean-up funding.”
and manufacturers to secure Extended Produc- He notes that Goa’s model directly addresses
er Responsibility (EPR) credits. this gap. “Goa’s DRS provides digital traceability
Strategic collection network with RVMs and of every DRS package introduced into the Goan
collection routes: market by tracking movement at every point of
sale and use through unique QR codes. This data
Goa’s hybrid DRS model will deploy Reverse will be integrated with the Central Pollution Con-
Vending Machines (RVMs), where consum- trol Board (CPCB) portal, offering manufacturers
ers can deposit packaging and receive instant robust, transparent, and audit-ready proof of re-
refunds, alongside manual collection centres cycled content while ensuring geographic align-
equipped with hand-held devices. Dedicated ment between consumption and recovery.”
collection routes will serve bulk generators in the
hotel, restaurant, and tourism sectors. D'sa further adds that the DRS creates shared
public infrastructure—collection points, RVMs,
Integration of the informal sector:
material recovery facilities (MRFs), and onboard-
Deposits may be claimed by any individual re- ed verified recyclers. Instead of brands building
April 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 41
