In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, sustainability is more than a buzzword — it’s a commitment mandated by law. Be it the Corporate Social Responsibility mandated by the companies Act, 2013 or the benefit of social donations allowed as deductions under the Income tax Act, measures of holding entities responsible for the ecosystems in which they thrive take many forms. From mandatory spends to incentivized deductions and brand publicity – sustainable practices are increasingly becoming inherent part of business.
Let’s be honest – manufacturing always results in some waste – Raw material purchasing, Processing, rejections, packaging, transportation, distribution, sale and consumption, waste is generated every step along the way. The most common being – Plastic packaging– A boon and a bane to man’s existence on the planet.
Companies across India are increasingly expected to take responsibility for the products they introduce to the market, but for the plastic waste generated throughout the lifecycle of the product . – to ensure that all importers, Brand Owners and Manufacturers take responsibility for the waste their products generate.
In India, this is done through the Environment Protection Act,1986 and its waste management rules.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India produces around 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually—this makes up roughly 20% of the world’s total plastic pollution.
Out of this 9.3 Million Tonnes, 5.8 million tonnes are incinerated and 3.5 million tonnes end up leaking into the environment as debris. Only 81% of the plastic waste is even collected in India, and the rest dumped, or openly burnt. Both of which are majorly done by the informal sector.
This is only a sliver of the reasons that necessitated the need to bring about a regulatory governance into the plastic waste management and thus the plastic waste management rules, were introduced – first in 2011 and then superseded by Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended in 2025).
These rules provide roles and responsibilities of Producer, Importer, Brand Owner, Manufacturer, Seller, Central Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control board or committees, Plastic Waste Processors.
Here is a comprehensive guide that simply explains - what extended producer responsibility means, why it matters, and how businesses can achieve compliance with the extended producer responsibility rules in India, focusing especially on plastic packaging.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility?
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach where producers, importers, brand owners (collectively known as PIBOs) and Seller, Importer of Raw material, Manufacturers of raw materials, producers (micro and small) [SIMPs] are held legally responsible (together referred to as “obligated entities”) for the lifecycle of their products, including the plastic packaging waste that remains once the consumer is done using the product. This is based on the polluter’s pay concept.
This means that the obligated entities take responsibility of plastic packaging waste generated by their products or whatever remains of their products after consumption — shifting the financial burden of waste management away from municipalities and placing it firmly on the obligated entities that generate the waste and also profit from these products. This can be done in a brand and geography agnostic manner.
Extended producer responsibility is much more than just waste handling. It’s about embedding environmental consideration into the entire packaging design, and production, — encouraging companies to reduce waste and promote better recycling and resource recovery– An attempt to nip the problem in the Bud.
Now, why is it important for the waste management to be moved to the source you may ask - here is why -
India faces monumental waste management challenges. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generates thousands of tons of solid waste daily, with a significant portion being non-biodegradable plastics amounting to at least 26,000 tonnes a day.
Inefficient waste management contributes to environmental pollution, harm to wildlife, blocked drainage systems, and, ultimately, climate change.
Extended producer responsibility is India’s first step but a giant leap towards a circular economy, reducing landfills, minimizing pollution, conserving resources, and fostering sustainable growth. The Government’s commitment to EPR is evident in robust legislation and strict enforcement, with businesses now required to reconsider their product design, packaging, and end-of-life at the time of product development.
For plastics, the extended producer responsibility rules mandate that all obligated entities using or dealing with plastic packaging must offset the waste they generate, use recycled content in their packaging and re-use rigid containers over certain sizes.
Key highlights of the rules include:
- Mandatory EPR registration with the CPCB for obligated entities
- Annual reporting of plastic packaging volume placed in the market and offsets completed
- Penalties for non-compliance, including fines, suspension, and blacklisting
Who Needs to Comply with EPR in India?
Extended producer responsibility India applies to a range of businesses, such as:
PIBOs
- Producer means any person engaged in manufacture of plastic packaging and includes a person engaged in manufacture of intermediate material to be used for manufacture of plastic packaging . Any producers (except contract manufacturers) registered as a Micro or Small enterprise under the MSME Act, 2006 shall not be liable to get registered under the PIBO category of producers.Also, any person engaged in contract manufacturing of products using plastic packaging or through other similar arrangements for brand owners would be liable to get registered under Producer (PIBO), irrespective of registration under micro and small category of MSME Act, 2006 for contract manufacturers
- Importers - any person who imports for commercial use, any plastic packaging or any commodity with plastic packaging or carry bags or plastic sheets or like material.
- Brand owners – any person or company who sells any commodity under a registered brand label.
SIMPs
- Seller – Any person who sells plastic raw material such as resins or pellets or intermediate material used for producing plastic packaging.
- Importer of plastic raw material: Any person who imports plastic raw material including in the form of resin, plastic granules or pellets, or intermediate material to be used for manufacturing plastic packaging such as films or preforms.
- Manufacturers - any person engaged in production of plastic raw material, including compostable plastics and biodegradable plastics.
- Producer: Same as defined above under PIBO category but includes ONLY those producers registered as Micro or Small producers under MSME Act would be liable to get registered under this category.
Extended Producer Responsibility for Plastic Packaging
Plastic, in any form or manner causes either temporary or permanent damage to the environment in abstract immeasurable ways, unless managed properly either through recycling or end of life disposal. To tackle this, the Government has made extended producer responsibility for plastic packaging a central element of the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 and its amendments.
Here’s what it involves:
- Registration by obligated entities in the dedicated CPCB Portal.
- Meeting obligations of offset, re-use and use of recycled content
- Filing annual return declaring purchases and plastic waste put in the market.
- Following marking and labeling guidelines
EPR Registration Process: Step-by-Step
To comply with the extended producer responsibility, Plastic Waste Management Rules, businesses must follow these key steps (especially applicable for plastic packaging):
1. Gather Documentation
Prepare company identification documents (PAN, GST, certificate of incorporation), product lists, records of packaging materials used, and details of waste management partners (recyclers).
2. Register on the CPCB EPR Portal
Visit the official Central Pollution Control Board EPR online portal for plastic packaging. Create an account under appropriate section, fill in all mandatory details, and upload the required documents.
3. Complete Reporting and Track Compliance
Purchase credits across different obligations and ensure that the annual returns declaring the correct weight of the plastic waste generated, the resulting obligation and the mitigation through EPR credits is filed within the due dates.
4. Renewal
EPR authorization need not be renewed annually unless there is a change in the information provided during registration.
Failure to comply can result in hefty penalties, suspension of licenses, and reputational damage.
Benefits of Extended Producer Responsibility Compliance
1. Environmental Protection
The goal of EPR is to reduce waste in landfills and help cut down environmental pollution. The idea is to solve the problem at the source of the waste so that the waste generated is either minimal or otherwise responsibly treated and recycled without causing a menace to the environment through landfills and pollution.
2. Improved Brand Reputation
Consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental responsibility. EPR compliance enhances credibility, brand loyalty, and appeal to eco-friendly markets through marketing of sustainable practices.
3. Contribution to Circular Economy
EPR fosters a system where resources are reused and recycled, minimizing wastage, reducing dependency on raw materials, and driving innovation in product design. Resulting in a sustainable, circular economy.
Challenges in EPR Implementation
While EPR is a necessary revolution, businesses may face the following challenges:
•Costs of compliance and documentation
•Tracking the data to ensure accurate EPR reporting.
•Establishing partnerships with certified waste processors and recyclers
•Navigating changing regulations and annual compliance targets.
However, with a robust EPR strategy and proactive adaptation, these challenges can be transformed into opportunities for leadership and innovation in sustainability towards building a circular economy.
Tips for Effective EPR Compliance
1. Understand What Extended Producer Responsibility means for Your Sector
Different industries face different obligations under EPR. Conduct a thorough legal review with environmental consultants to pinpoint requirements specific to your business, especially regarding extended producer responsibility for plastic packaging. If you want to understand more about what this means for your business - click here
2. Streamline Documentation and Data Management
Maintain updated records of your all your plastic packaging procured and consumed, sales data, recycling certificates, and audit reports. Use ERP software or digital compliance trackers for easier reporting.
3. Choose the Right Partners
Work with trust worthy partners for compliance services and support
4. Communicate and Educate
Train your staff, communicate compliance efforts to customers, and publish your EPR journey. This not only fosters accountability but also boosts public trust.
What Does the Future Hold for EPR in India?
India is rapidly advancing towards a zero-waste economy. The Government’s resolve is clear through increasing EPR targets, stricter audits, and stiffer penalties for non-compliance. New extended producer responsibility rules now include not just plastics, but e-waste, batteries, used oil, tires, and soon, paper, metal, glass and sanitary napkins.
Ultimately, businesses that adopt extended producer responsibility sincerely will be at the forefront of sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is revolutionizing how businesses operate in India—driving them to be more accountable for their environmental footprint and helping set the foundation for a truly sustainable future. Understanding what extended producer responsibility means and abiding by the evolving rules is not just about avoiding penalties—it is about building a business that is resilient, respected, and ready for tomorrow.
For companies that manufacture or deal with plastic, fulfilling extended producer responsibility for plastic packaging is not just a matter of regulatory compliance — it is a badge of sustainable pioneering and environmental leadership.
Start your EPR journey today, and be a part of India’s move towards a greener, cleaner, and more responsible tomorrow.
