3rd Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability Inaugurated
The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, inaugurated the 3rd Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The four-day event, recognized as India's premier platform for plastic recycling and sustainability, commenced on July 2, 2026, with Secretary Tejveer Singh presiding over the inauguration.
Key Policy Directives and Global Alignment
Secretary Tejveer Singh emphasized the need for concerted and aligned global efforts to address plastic waste, stressing that current solutions are fragmented. He highlighted the importance of aligning with the UN Global Plastics Treaty, which aims to create unified, binding approaches to production, usage, and waste management. The Secretary called for incorporating global best practices and advanced technological solutions for plastic waste management.
Industry Transformation and Stakeholder Integration
Singh reframed plastics and plastic recycling as an integral, modern, technology-driven, high-value industry rather than a "dirty industry." He commended industry steps toward biodegradable plastic packaging but urged R&D arms to find enduring solutions for plastic littering, particularly smaller packaging items that are difficult to collect and recycle. The Secretary specifically appealed for recognition of informal waste collectors' vital role and called for their formal integration into the ecosystem as the economy evolves.
Event Scale and Participation
The conclave is jointly organized by the All India Plastics Manufacturers' Association (AIPMA) and the Chemicals & Petrochemicals Manufacturers Association (CPMA) with support from multiple government departments including DPIIT (Ministry of Commerce and Industries), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The event features over 400 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge recycling technologies, machinery, sustainable materials, and waste management solutions, with expected attendance exceeding 50,000 business visitors including policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and sustainability professionals.
Market Projections and Growth Trends
The Indian recycled plastics market is projected to reach USD 3.81 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.95% during 2024–2032. Globally, the waste plastic recycling market is expected to reach USD 80.5 billion by 2033, reflecting the increasing importance of sustainable recycling technologies and circular business models.
Institutional Participation
Several government and private educational and research institutions are participating, including Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET), CSIR – National Physical Laboratory, SIDBI, and School of Packaging SIESSOP, indicating comprehensive sectoral engagement across industry, government, and academia.