MATERIALS / RECYCLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 10/25 www.petpla.net 22 Technologies for B-to-B resin including chemical recycling & bio-chemical recycling PET recycling in India: Trends, challenges and opportunities by Rajesh Kumar Gera, Packaging & Recycling Consultant The Indian PET recycling industry had a turnover of ~ USD 560 million (~Rs 5K Cr) in 20-21, which had increased to ~USD 900 million (Rs 8 K Cr+) in 24-25. India is proud having one of the highest PET recycling rates with 92% and competing with the best globally. The Indian Recycling industry is consisting of both unorganised and organised recyclers. There are value-added recycled products made from rPET, and the Indian PET recycling industry is projected to grow 15-20% p.a. in the upcoming years. It is estimated that the Indian PET recycling industry will have a turnover of ~ USD 1.1 billion (Rs 10 K crore+) in the next 2-3 years’ time. In addition to the traditional mechanical recycling, there is a growing interest in chemical and bio-chemical (enzymatic) recycling for the ‘difficult to recycle PET packaging’ and other polyester materials like textiles. It is important to first understand the Indian PET industry and how it has grown. The PET resin consumption was 1.10m t/a in ‘20-21 and has been growing on average 12-14% p.a. The Indian PET resin consumption of 1.9m t/a in 24-25 consisted of bottles: 92%, sheet: 4%, strapping/monofilaments: 2% and others: 2%. The different applications are enclosed. Recycling industry in India The PET bottle usage was 1.9 MMT (‘24-25) and recycled PET usage was 1.75 MMT (92%). Today there are 200 plus collectioncum-baling centres in India with an upward trend. There is surely a shift for moving away from the unorganised informal set-up to organised formal recycling setups. It is primarily ‘mechanical recycling’ of PET packs in India. There are 50+ medium-to-large scale manufacturing units using washed flakes of recycled PET. Trends in usage of recycled PET resin in India The use of rPET is allowed by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) for packaging of non-food items in India. The rPET usage has been approved by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) for use in the direct food contact end-uses in India. The major FMCG producers (both Food & Beverage and non-Food sectors) have started using rPET, and the initial target is 30% rPET in 25-26. Some of the major brandowners are already using B-to-B PET resin for packaging of water, CSD, liquor & other products in India. The consistent availability of high quality rPET resin is the key. PET is the first material of choice, due to its ease of recyclability and the established PET recycling systems. Challenges One of the major challenges is traceability. One of the key differentiators in recycling ecosystem is the assurance of ‘traceability’. The move is thus towards digitalisation and block-chain/AI driven SCM (Supply Chain management) of rPET bottles. The brand-owners and regulatory bodies are now paying far more attention in this regard, and it will further improve the quality of recycled chips. The other major challenge is the availability of consistent high quality rPET material. It is being addressed by improving different steps in mechanical recycling, including both the sorting & washing processes.
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