India Plastic Waste Management Market Size
Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 1.73 Billion |
Market Size (2030) | USD 2.33 Billion |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 6.17 % |
Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
India Plastic Waste Management Market Analysis
The India Plastic Waste Management Market size is estimated at USD 1.73 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 2.33 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.17% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Plastic waste has become a pressing environmental concern, spurring worldwide initiatives for sustainable waste management. India stands at the forefront of this transformative movement, underscored by an increasing focus on plastic recycling. Leading the global stage, India generates a staggering 9.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, outpacing the next largest polluters by over twofold.
The escalating plastic waste crisis threatens the environment, prompting nations, India included, to bolster their plastic waste management strategies. Driven by heightened environmental awareness and the urgent need to mitigate plastic waste's ecological impact, India's plastic recycling market has seen significant evolution. Currently, 1,419 registered plastic waste processors operate under the guidelines of the Plastic Waste Management Rules.
India's plastic waste surge, spurred by swift urbanization, population growth, and economic strides, is alarming. Urban demand for single-use plastics and packaging has skyrocketed. With per capita plastic consumption nearing 11 kg annually and projections of further increases due to rising industrialization and consumerism, the challenge looms large.
Annually, over 5.8 million tonnes of plastic waste are incinerated. This method not only sidesteps the core issue but also emits harmful pollutants, such as dioxins, into the atmosphere. These toxins are linked to respiratory ailments and heightened cancer risks. Compounding the challenge, India's insufficient waste management infrastructure and widespread open burning practices exacerbate the plastic waste dilemma.
In India, technological innovations are revolutionizing the plastic recycling landscape. From cutting-edge sorting technologies to modern recycling methods, these advancements boost both efficiency and scalability. Concurrently, as governments and corporations increasingly embrace circular economy principles, initiatives like extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs are gaining traction, emphasizing accountability for the entire lifecycle of plastic products.
In conclusion, India's proactive stance and ongoing advancements in plastic waste management and recycling are crucial in addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. Continued innovation, coupled with robust policy implementation and public awareness, will be key to mitigating the adverse impacts of plastic waste and fostering a sustainable future.
India Plastic Waste Management Market Trends
Municipal Waste is dominating the market
According to a recent study, India accounts for nearly 20 percent of the world's total plastic waste. Annually, the nation produces around 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste, with a striking 90 percent classified as municipal. In the financial year 2022, India's daily municipal solid waste generation exceeded 170,300 metric tons, marking a six percent uptick from the prior year. Notably, Maharashtra emerged as the leading producer of municipal solid waste in South Asia.
Kerala, a coastal state in India, is renowned for its tourism and rich cultural and ecological heritage. Yet, the region grapples with its plastic waste, generating over 130,000 tonnes annually, of which a mere 3% is recycled.
In urban India, plastic waste is prevalent, with packaging, plastic bottles, and single-use items dominating municipal waste. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlights that municipal sources play a significant role in India's overall plastic waste generation.
Rapid urbanization in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore has spurred plastic consumption, amplifying municipal waste volumes. The dense population in these urban centers intensifies the environmental challenge posed by plastic waste.
In response to this challenge, there's a burgeoning focus on recycling within the municipal waste segment. Local authorities and private entities are channeling investments into infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of plastic collection, segregation, and recycling in urban waste management strategies.
Despite these efforts, the scale of plastic waste generation in India remains a significant environmental concern. The country's rapid urbanization and economic growth have outpaced the development of effective waste management systems.
To mitigate the environmental impact, India must continue to enhance its recycling infrastructure, promote sustainable consumption practices, and enforce stringent regulations on plastic use. By addressing these issues, India can make substantial progress in managing its plastic waste and protecting its ecological and cultural heritage.
West region asserts its dominance in the market
The West region leads the Indian Plastic Recycling market, driven by a combination of pivotal factors. As the heart of India's economy, the West, home to major hubs like Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad, plays a crucial role in generating significant plastic waste from both industrial and urban sources, thus providing a vital feedstock for recycling efforts.
With its robust infrastructure and logistics, the region boasts efficient systems for collecting, transporting, and processing plastic waste. Its well-connected ports and transportation networks enhance its ability to manage and distribute recycled plastics across various industries.
The West's leadership is bolstered by its proactive approach to waste management. States in the region, known for their progressive environmental policies, actively promote plastic recycling through regulations, awareness campaigns, and incentives, creating a favorable environment for industry growth.
With a diverse industrial landscape that includes manufacturing, petrochemicals, and packaging, the West region is a key consumer of recycled plastics. This interdependence fuels the demand for recycled materials in producing a wide range of goods.
The region is also at the forefront of adopting innovative technologies in plastic recycling, with advanced methods like mechanical and chemical recycling seeing significant implementation. This technological edge boosts both the efficiency and quality of recycled outputs.
Moreover, urban centers in the West showcase a heightened environmental awareness among consumers. This consciousness about plastic waste and recycling has led to greater participation in recycling initiatives, nurturing a culture of responsible waste management.
In conclusion, the West region's dominance in the Indian Plastic Recycling market is a result of its strategic advantages in infrastructure, policy, industrial demand, technological innovation, and consumer awareness. These factors collectively position the West as a leader in driving sustainable practices and advancing the plastic recycling industry in India.
India Plastic Waste Management Industry Overview
The market is highly fragmented, with both local players and global entrants focusing on building sustainable systems to tackle India’s plastic waste challenge. Government regulations, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR), are also shaping the competitive dynamics. Market Players include Veolia Group, Plastic Energy Limited, Shivsu Canadian Clear, Waste Venture India Pvt. Ltd. and Ganesha Ecosphere.
India Plastic Waste Management Market Leaders
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Veolia Group
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Plastic Energy Limited
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Shivsu Canadian Clear
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Waste Venture India Pvt. Ltd.
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Ganesha Ecosphere
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
India Plastic Waste Management Market News
- August 2024: House of Hiranandani, a prominent player in the real estate sector, has launched 'Waste Wise,' marking the second phase of its Tomorrow Matters campaign. This five-year initiative is committed to promoting sustainability and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. With 'Waste Wise,' the company tackles the pressing issue of plastic waste, setting ambitious targets for the next half-decade: recycling 18,000 kg of plastic waste and converting over 3.4 million kilograms of wet waste into organic manure. The organic manure generated will not only nourish the company's gardens but will also be shared with local communities.
- June 2024: Deluxe Recycling, a leading player in multi-layered plastic recycling, is strategically expanding with the launch of a new recycling plant in Sarigam, Gujarat. This new facility will more than double Deluxe's recycling capacity - boosting it from 13,000 TPA to 27,400 TPA across two locations. This move solidifies Deluxe's status as one of South Asia's largest MLP recyclers. The recent capital infusion has not only established the new facility in Sarigam but also bolstered operations in Bengaluru. Thanks to this funding, Deluxe has ramped up its capacity from 13,000 MTPA to 27,400 MTPA in both Sarigam and Bengaluru, setting its sights on an ambitious target of 50,000 MTPA within the next 2.5 years.
India Plastic Waste Management Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Deliverables
1.2 Study Assumptions
1.3 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.2.1 Rising Demand for Recycled Plastic
4.3 Market Restraints
4.3.1 Inadequate Collection and Sorting Mechanisms
4.4 Market Opportunities
4.4.1 Recycling Plastic for Road Construction
4.5 Value Chain / Supply Chain Analysis
4.6 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.6.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.7 Impact of Geopolitics and Pandemic on the Market
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 By Polymer
5.1.1 Polypropylene (PP)
5.1.2 Polyethylene(PE)
5.1.3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
5.1.4 Terephthalate (PET)
5.1.5 Others
5.2 By Source
5.2.1 Residential
5.2.2 Commercial
5.2.3 Industrial
5.2.4 Others (construction, healthcare etc)
5.3 By Treatment
5.3.1 Recycling
5.3.2 Chemical Treatment
5.3.3 Landfill
5.3.4 Others
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Market Concentration Overview
6.2 Company Profiles
6.2.1 Ganesha Ecosphere
6.2.2 Green Planet Waste Management Pvt. Ltd
6.2.3 Waste Venture India Pvt. Ltd.
6.2.4 Saahas Zero Waste
6.2.5 Virogreen India
6.2.6 Shivsu Canadian Clear
6.2.7 Greenobin Recycling Pvt. Ltd.
6.2.8 Veolia Group
6.2.9 Plastic Energy Limited
6.2.10 Stericycle Inc.*
- *List Not Exhaustive
6.3 Other Companies
7. FUTURE OF THE MARKET
8. APPENDIX
India Plastic Waste Management Industry Segmentation
Plastic waste management refers to the processes and methods used to manage plastic waste, such as collecting, sorting, recycling, and disposal, in order to reduce its environmental impact. Its uses are many, ranging from municipal trash management to industrial recycling and environmental conservation projects.
A comprehensive background analysis of the India Plastic Waste Management, covering the current market trends, restraints, technological updates, and detailed information on various segments and the competitive landscape of the industry. The Impact of Geopolitics and Pandemic on the Market has also been incorporated and considered during the study.
India plastic waste management market is segmented by Polymer ( Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene(PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Terephthalate (PET), and Others), by Source (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Others (construction, healthcare etc) by Treatment (Recycling, Chemical Treatment, Landfill, Others. The Report Offers Market Size and Forecasts for the India Plastic Waste Management Market in Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.
By Polymer | |
Polypropylene (PP) | |
Polyethylene(PE) | |
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | |
Terephthalate (PET) | |
Others |
By Source | |
Residential | |
Commercial | |
Industrial | |
Others (construction, healthcare etc) |
By Treatment | |
Recycling | |
Chemical Treatment | |
Landfill | |
Others |
India Plastic Waste Management Market Research FAQs
How big is the India Plastic Waste Management Market?
The India Plastic Waste Management Market size is expected to reach USD 1.73 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 6.17% to reach USD 2.33 billion by 2030.
What is the current India Plastic Waste Management Market size?
In 2025, the India Plastic Waste Management Market size is expected to reach USD 1.73 billion.
Who are the key players in India Plastic Waste Management Market?
Veolia Group, Plastic Energy Limited, Shivsu Canadian Clear, Waste Venture India Pvt. Ltd. and Ganesha Ecosphere are the major companies operating in the India Plastic Waste Management Market.
What years does this India Plastic Waste Management Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the India Plastic Waste Management Market size was estimated at USD 1.62 billion. The report covers the India Plastic Waste Management Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the India Plastic Waste Management Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
India Plastic Waste Management Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 India Plastic Waste Management market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. India Plastic Waste Management analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.