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Amazon and IIT Roorkee explore recyclable packaging from agricultural waste

Sai Deepthi — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:00:00

Amazon India has teamed up with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee’s Department of Paper and Packaging Technology to convert agricultural waste into recyclable paper packaging for mailers and other applications.

The project, a 15-month lab-to-industrial-trial collaboration, seeks to transform crop residues such as wheat straw and bagasse — typically burned or discarded — into high-quality pulp for packaging materials.

According to the press release, the initiative not only offers a recyclable alternative to conventional wood pulp or plastic packaging but also helps mitigate air pollution from stubble burning, a significant environmental concern in India. By creating a market for agricultural waste, the project could provide additional income streams for farmers while reducing pressure on virgin wood resources.

“At Amazon, we are building and managing India’s fastest, safest, and most reliable operations network, and we’re committed to making it more sustainable. As part of this effort, we’re partnering with IIT Roorkee to develop innovative packaging from crop residue," says Abhinav Singh, vice president of operations at Amazon India.

He adds, “India generates nearly 500-million tons of this waste annually, and by repurposing it into packaging, we can support a more circular economy while reducing reliance on conventional materials."

Amazon India has already eliminated single-use plastic from its packaging across its fulfilment centres and continues to innovate with sustainable materials under The Climate Pledge. The collaboration with IIT Roorkee could see industrial trials and commercialisation by late 2026 if performance targets are met.

Canopy introduces USD two-billion investment blueprint at WEF Davos

WhatPackaging? Team — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:50:00

The global solutions-driven not-for-profit Canopy joined partners at Davos to introduce a new finance model designed to accelerate the growth of low-carbon materials and transform the paper, packaging, and textile supply chains. The event was anchored by a keynote speech from D Sridhar Babu, minister for Industries and Commerce, IT, E&C, Government of Telangana, India, with India set to host the first iteration of the new investment blueprint.

Co-hosted by Canopy alongside the No.17 Foundation and Tsao Pao Chee (TPC) Group, the forum convened leading investors, philanthropists, and industry experts to explore the mobilisation of USD two-billion in investment, including a blended finance platform to unlock India’s rapid scale-up of next-gen materials as an alternative to high-carbon wood-dependent products. Next-gen alternatives are lower impact and made from inputs like agricultural residues (that are otherwise burned) and recycled textiles (otherwise landfilled). The initial investment program is being designed for deployment in India and built for global replication, creating a first-mover advantage for investors and producers as supply chains rapidly shift toward regulation-compliant, low-carbon materials. The initial infusion of USD two-billion will enable the first 1.5-million tonnes of next-gen paper, packaging, and textile production capacity in India and is part of a broader global initiative to mobilize USD 78-billion into the global next-gen infrastructure transition by 2033.

The Davos event introduced the finance architecture behind Canopy’s first-of-its-kind blended finance blueprint: a model to de-risk early investments, attract institutional capital, and catalyse the large-scale production of next-gen fibre for paper, packaging, and textiles. Next-gen solutions are essential to shifting global supply chains away from high-carbon wood fibre to more resilient, low-carbon alternatives.

The blended finance model introduced today is designed to help correct this imbalance by mobilizing capital into India’s rapidly advancing next-gen materials industry, enabling the commercial-scale production of low-carbon fibre made from agricultural residues and recycled textiles. Over the next decade, scaling this industrial shift in India is expected to require roughly USD 13–15-billion in investment - and the USD two-billion investment program is designed to help establish market confidence, crowd in private capital alongside catalytic investors and public finance, and accelerate impactful project pipelines. For India, this transition can strengthen industrial competitiveness, reduce input volatility, improve air quality, and open new income pathways for rural communities while positioning producers to serve rising global demand for traceable, lower-impact inputs.

“This is the moment to reimagine how capital flows to climate solutions at scale. The blended finance model that we’re unveiling today will lay the foundation for replacing high-carbon forest- fibre in global paper, packaging, and textile supply chains, while establishing a finance blueprint that can be replicated in other key markets,” said Nicole Rycroft, founder and executive director of Canopy. “If we want to transform high-impact global commodity sectors at the pace required, we need finance models that share both risk and reward with the market and that can scale across borders. Investors and brands here today are helping build exactly that.”

During the session, Canopy was joined by large brand partners as well as strategic and institutional investors and philanthropic leaders to discuss the design and early development of the model. Over the coming year, Canopy aims to secure partners interested in exploring anchor capital or future offtake agreements as the structure is finalized. More than 950 brands, representing over USD 2.1-trillion in combined annual revenue, are already working with Canopy strengthening the offtake signal that investors look for when underwriting new capacity.

“With these targeted structures in place, we can drive the investment needed to turn waste into high-value and circular everyday commodities,” said Zoe Caron, Canopy’s strategic lead for global investments. “Many agricultural residues are still being burned on the fields, when we know they can be used more sustainably, cutting air pollution and scaling a sustainable supply chain for paper, packaging, and textiles.”

Nike becomes anchor customer for Ester-Loop JV facility in India

Sai Deepthi P — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:43:00

Ester Industries, through its joint venture with Canada-based Loop Industries, has signed a multi-year agreement to supply sustainable polyester materials to Nike.

Under the agreement, Loop Industries will supply Twist, a virgin-quality circular polyester resin made entirely from textile waste. The material will be produced by Ester Loop Infinite Technologies (ELITe), the joint venture between Ester Industries and Loop Industries, at its forthcoming Infinite Loop India plant.

Loop said the partnership aligns with its commercialisation strategy and supports Nike’s broader commitment to reducing reliance on virgin and recycled flake polyester across its product lines. All products made with Twist will include Loop’s proprietary chemical tracer, enabling full traceability and verifiable textile-to-textile recycled content.

According to Loop, the Infinite Loop India facility is projected to deliver an 81% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based polyester, equating to annual savings of up to 418,600 tonnes of CO₂ — the equivalent of eliminating more than one billion miles driven by an average petrol-powered car each year.

Sitora Muzafarova, vice president of materials supply chain at Nike, said the partnership marks “a pivotal step toward transforming textile waste into high-performance materials.”

Daniel Solomita, founder and chief executive officer of Loop Industries, called Nike’s commitment “a powerful validation of our strategy to provide verifiable textile-to-textile polyester resin and advance circular fashion for apparel customers.”

Arvind Singhania, chairman of Ester Industries, added, “It is a privilege to partner with Nike in advancing their global sustainability ambitions. This partnership reflects the trust leading multinational brands place in ELITe’s ability to deliver high-performance recycled materials at scale.”

FMCG majors back Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s 2030 plastics agenda

Sai Deepthi P — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:15:00

Global consumer goods companies including Nestle, Pepsico, Unilever and Tomra have endorsed the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s (EMF) 2030 Plastics Agenda for Business, a five-year action plan to accelerate progress towards a circular economy for plastics.

The plan outlines how businesses can move beyond individual targets and collaborate through shared advocacy, collective investment, and coordinated action. It builds on more than a decade of work by the Foundation to align the packaging value chain around measurable outcomes for waste prevention, reuse, and recycling.

The 2030 Agenda identifies three focus areas for businesses:

- Collective advocacy to shape ambitious and harmonised public policy
- Collaborative action to share risks, costs, and innovation to overcome systemic barriers
- Aligned company-level action to accelerate circular design, reduce virgin material use, and influence wider market change

By acting early and together, the Foundation argues, companies can shape regulation, cut transition costs, and strengthen resilience in the face of tightening global policy.

“Many business leaders ask me what comes next. My answer is simple: don’t wait,” said Rob Opsomer, executive lead for plastics and finance at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. “The companies that act now can help shape effective policies and make circular solutions the new normal. By working together, they’ll cut transition costs and build resilience in a fast-changing world. They can make what once seemed impossible not only possible but ultimately inevitable.”

Industry progress and persistent challenges

The Foundation’s report highlights tangible progress under the Global Commitment initiative, co-launched with the UN Environment Programme in 2018. Companies representing about 20% of the world’s plastic packaging market—including Amcor, Borealis, Colgate-Palmolive, Danone, L’Oreal, Nestle, SC Johnson, Pepsico, and Unilever—have avoided 14-million tonnes of virgin plastics, equivalent to 1.8-trillion plastic bags or one barrel of oil every second; tripled recycled content in packaging; and eliminated billions of problematic or unnecessary items.

Despite this, 80% of the market remains largely disengaged, and even leading signatories face structural barriers such as scaling reuse models, managing flexible packaging waste, and establishing robust collection and recycling systems at scale.

Calls for policy alignment and collaboration
“Ending plastic pollution and keeping plastic in circulation requires innovation, infrastructure and enabling policy, combined with focused, collective action and advocacy right across the plastics value chain as identified in this 2030 Plastics Agenda,” said Pablo Costa, global head of packaging, digital and transformation at Unilever.

Antonia Wanner, chief sustainability officer at Nestle, added, “Building on years of effort to evolve our packaging, we look forward to collective action on the 2030 Plastics Agenda for Business, working with the Foundation and value-chain partners. Together we aim to overcome systemic barriers by building broader systems and a policy landscape for the circular economy.”

The Foundation’s framework urges governments to adopt harmonised, enforceable rules supporting waste prevention, reuse, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and deposit return schemes (DRS) at scale, seen as essential to reducing single-use plastics and improving high-quality recycling worldwide.

Beyond the Global Commitment, more than 700 businesses are advancing regional Plastics Pacts, and over 300 organisations are supporting a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution.

However, progress at recent UN negotiations has been slow, with countries yet to agree on the treaty’s scope and enforcement mechanisms. The Foundation said the next 12 months will be pivotal, urging companies to join collective efforts to curb plastic waste and drive circular infrastructure development. Research cited by EMF estimates 225-million tonnes of plastic waste will be generated this year, with only 68% managed through formal systems, leaving more than 70-million tonnes likely to become pollution through burning, dumping, or mismanaged disposal.

Implications
For converters, brands, and retailers, the agenda signals a sharper policy focus on design-for-circularity, recycled-content procurement, and reuse pilots. For waste management and recycling operators, it points to rising demand for quality secondary materials and deposit-return logistics.

Karnataka High Court upholds mandatory use of jute bags for sugar packaging

Sai Deepthi — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:28:00

The High Court of Karnataka has dismissed petitions filed by the South Indian Sugar Mills Association and the Indian Sugar Mills Association challenging government rules that require sugar mills to pack 20% of their production in jute bags.

Under the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987, the foodgrains industry must use jute bags for 100% of its packaging, while the sugar industry is required to use jute bags for 20% of its production.

The petitioners argued that the rules increase costs, as using jute bags adds an estimated USD 76-million annually compared to recyclable plastic packaging. They said the requirements restrict their business because bulk consumers, including large food and beverage companies, are reluctant to accept sugar delivered in jute bags due to concerns about hygiene and contamination.

The associations also raised the issue of jute batching oil, which is used in processing jute fibres. They contended that the oil could present health hazards, citing reports that suggest it may be carcinogenic. The petitioners claimed that governments in Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh had expressed concerns about the use of the oil.

The court ruled that these issues should be examined by the Standing Advisory Committee under the Act. It held that the 20% requirement was neither arbitrary nor unreasonable, noting that the Supreme Court had earlier upheld a rule mandating 100% jute packaging for sugar.

The Additional Solicitor General submitted that the policy was approved by the government after deliberations and was in the interest of farmers.

Various news reports show that the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has in recent years stepped up enforcement of the rule to encourage the jute industry, warning of penalties for non-compliance.

Kobe University achieves breakthrough in biodegradable PET alternative

WhatPackaging? Team — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:11:00

A research team at Kobe University has reported progress in producing a biodegradable plastic alternative. The team engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria to synthesise pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA) from glucose at levels more than seven times higher than previously recorded. The study was published in the journal Metabolic Engineering.

PDCA is biodegradable, and materials made from it have properties comparable to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is widely used in containers and textiles.

A Kobe University group now published that they achieved the production of PDCA — which is biodegradable and materials incorporating this show physical properties comparable to or even surpassing those of PET in bioreactors at concentrations more than seven-fold higher than previously reported. The durability of plastics is both the reason why they have become so wide-spread and why they pose environmental problems. In addition, they are mainly sourced from petroleum, making them non-renewable and contingent on geopolitics. Research groups worldwide work on both biodegradable and bio-sourced alternatives, but there often are issues with yield, purity, and associated production cost.

Kobe University bioengineer Tsutomu Tanaka says, “Most biomass-based production strategies focus on molecules consisting of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. However, there are highly promising compounds for high-performance plastics that include other elements such as nitrogen, but there are no efficient bioproduction strategies. And purely chemical reactions inevitably generate unwanted byproducts.”

PDCA is biodegradable, and materials incorporating this show physical properties comparable to or even surpassing those of PET, which is widely used in containers and textiles. “Our group approached the challenge from a new angle: We aimed to harness cellular metabolism to assimilate nitrogen and build the compound from start to finish,” says Tanaka.

The research was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Japan Science and Technology Agency.

BCML organises webinar on PLA bottles for plastic-free drinking

Sai Deepthi P — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:39:00

On 18 August, Balrampur Chini Mills organised a panel discussion, 'Thirst for Change: PLA Bottles for Plastic-Free Drinking', featuring Dr SK Nayak, chief advisor to BCML - PLA business; Aliasgar Vora, founder of Sunny Enterprises, director-Green Bioblend; and Pradeep Kokkat, founder and managing director, Greenbio Products. Stefan Barot, president-chemical division, BCML, delivered the welcome address and the discussion was moderated by Shweta Suryawanshi, general manager - business development, BCML.

The webinar on PLA bottles brought together experts from academia, research, and industry to critically examine whether polylactic acid (PLA) can emerge as a genuine alternative to conventional plastics in India’s packaging sector.

At the outset, the speakers highlighted the promise of PLA. Suryawanshi explained how PLA is derived from renewable feedstock such as corn or sugarcane, making it a compostable material under the right conditions. Its origin in biobased resources aligns with the global and national momentum towards sustainable alternatives. Ali Asgar added that PLA can rival PET in both clarity and strength, giving it an edge when it comes to consumer acceptance, since the appearance and performance of the bottles remain familiar.

Policy support was another positive factor discussed during the session. Dr Nayak pointed out that India’s regulatory push towards sustainable materials and the phasing out of single-use plastics is creating fertile ground for biopolymers such as PLA. Adding to this, Pradeep Kokkatt described Greenbio’s initiative of producing 100% compostable PLA preforms and caps. He noted that the company has deliberately targeted premium segments to begin with, where consumers are more likely to pay for sustainable packaging and are increasingly eco-conscious.

During the session, the panel also explored PLA’s characteristics in greater technical detail, especially its role in blown films and packaging applications. It was noted that PLA offers high clarity and gloss, giving it a strong visual appeal comparable to PET. Its stiffness and strength make it suitable for rigid packaging, while its inherent compostability under industrial conditions provides an environmental edge. However, the limitations were also underlined: PLA has a lower heat resistance than conventional plastics, which restricts its use in hot-fill or high-temperature applications. The speakers observed that blown film processing with PLA can be challenging due to its brittleness and slower crystallisation, often requiring additives or blending with other biopolymers to achieve flexibility and sealability. Moisture sensitivity was another drawback, as it affects both processing and end-use performance. While PLA demonstrates strong potential in niche and premium segments, the panel agreed that large-scale substitution of mainstream plastics in films and bottles remains difficult without significant improvements in its mechanical and thermal properties.

Kokkat's Greenbio Products, a Kerala-based startup has emerged as a compelling real-world exemplar of PLA’s potential in action. The company offers a diverse product line that includes 100% compostable bottles, caps, cling films, grocery and carry bags, and other biodegradable packaging solutions. According to their website, they are firmly aligned with global biodegradability standards such as ASTM D6400, EN 13432, ISO 17088, and approved by India’s Central Pollution Control Board. Kokkatt also shared how Greenbio's PLA water bottles recievced positive feedback from eco-conscious consumers; however the challenge lies in scaling adoption across the mainstream market. High costs, longer processing cycles, and lack of widespread composting or dedicated PLA recycling infrastructure have limited uptake.

Beyond bottles, the speakers also pointed to emerging uses in thermoformed trays, cutlery, and packaging films, where its compostability and renewable origin offer an advantage. Still, the consensus was that in its current form, PLA is being used in select applications where brand differentiation and sustainability credentials outweigh cost and performance limitations.

The debate also highlighted the key challenges with PLA. Several speakers raised the critical issue of perception: PLA looks like plastic and behaves like plastic. Without widespread consumer education and awareness, there is a risk that people will treat it exactly like conventional plastics, leading to contamination in existing waste streams. Processing was another point of contention. Asgar admitted that PLA requires tighter production controls and longer cycle times, around 25 to 30% more than PET, which increases costs and slows down output. While additives and annealing can mitigate these issues, scaling up remains a concern. Kokkatt reinforced the point by sharing that people’s first reaction to PLA bottles is often scepticism. The question he hears repeatedly is: “If it looks like plastic, why pay more?” According to him, only a combination of awareness campaigns and government-backed pilot projects will change consumer behaviour.

The discussion also highlighted the lack of infrastructure as a major roadblock to circular economy. While India has been proactive in announcing bans and regulatory frameworks, the absence of industrial composting facilities and effective segregation systems threatens to undermine PLA’s sustainable promise. In its current state, PLA risks being dumped into the same waste streams as PET, where it cannot deliver its environmental benefits. The speakers agreed that the gap between policy ambition and ground reality must be addressed if PLA is to succeed.

In conclusion, the panel agreed that PLA cannot be considered a silver bullet. Instead, it should be seen as a bridge between the petroleum-based plastics of today and the more sustainable materials of tomorrow.

UN Plastics Treaty end without a treaty

Sai Deepthi P — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:19:00

After nearly ten days of negotiations, delegates from more than 180 countries failed to reach a consensus on the scope and ambition of the proposed agreement, leaving the future of the treaty uncertain.

This setback comes against a backdrop of escalating environmental crises and waning confidence in international governance. Global plastic production is projected to soar by 70% by 2040 if left unchecked, with less than 10% currently being recycled and huge volumes polluting land, water, and air.

The breakdown centred on irreconcilable rifts between two major blocs. Over 100 nations, including those in the European Union, Switzerland, and much of the Global South, were pushing for measures to address the entire life cycle of plastics. Their proposals included legally binding limits on plastic production and controls on hazardous chemicals used in plastics.

However, a coalition of oil-producing states, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia and joined by several others, strongly resisted moves to ban plastics. They argued in favour of prioritising recycling, reusing, and redesigning plastics instead, rejecting any restrictions on production or mandatory commitments. This opposition allowed them to block movement on legally binding measures, as the consensus-based negotiation process gave any dissenting group effective veto power.

Negotiators spent days reviewing and ultimately rejecting multiple draft texts, including those that tried to balance voluntary and binding approaches. Many countries dismissed the most recent drafts as inadequate, arguing that they represented mere waste management efforts and ignored core issues like harmful chemicals and production limits. According to reports, by the final session, there was not even agreement on the treaty’s basic scope or definitions.

Despite the failure, the United Nations and environmental campaigners have voiced hope that talks will resume. The negotiating committee is expected to return to a prior draft as a basis for future discussions, though the timing and structure of these talks remain unclear. According to news agency reports, UN Environment Programme chief Inger Andersen emphasised that “work will not cease, as plastic pollution will not cease,” and reaffirmed the continued engagement of the international community.

Negotiations for a global plastics treaty began formally in 2022, with countries agreeing to craft a legally binding instrument targeting plastic pollution across its life cycle.

Amazon India’s cardboard boxes take a holiday to tell a sustainability story

WhatPackaging? Team — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00

Amazon India and FCB Kinnect have launched a campaign to highlight the company’s Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP) initiative. The program ships certain products in their original packaging, which removes the need for an additional Amazon box. The company states that this initiative contributes to a reduction in packaging waste and shipping volume. Watch the campain here.

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The campaign consists of four short films or thumbstoppers that feature an Amazon cardboard box on a holiday. The concept is based on the idea that with more products shipping without an outer box, the boxes are no longer required for those orders.

Abhinav Singh, the vice-president of operations for Amazon India and Australia, in a statement said,"Nearly half of all customer orders from Amazon India now ship with reduced or no added delivery packaging, reaching more than 300 cities nationwide and significantly reducing waste for our customers. Our latest social media campaign highlights our packaging reduction efforts as we continue to make it easier for customers across India to make more sustainable choices every day."

Henna Pande, FCB Kinnect as executive vice president of North, also commented on the campaign. "We’re always drawn to campaigns that allow us to tell stories in fresh and unexpected ways," she said. Pande added, "When Amazon challenged us to craft an idea celebrating their sustainability efforts, we knew there was an opportunity to create something truly distinctive. We placed the box at the heart of the narrative and framing it around the idea of a ‘retirement’ or holiday made the concept instantly relatable, universally understood, and a compelling way to bring the message to life."

Nishant Pratap, group executive creative director at FCB Kinnect, explained the storytelling approach: "Through humour and insightful storytelling, our films cleverly showcase how Amazon’s sustainability efforts are quietly but profoundly transforming the ecosystem, one box at a time."

Wscs and Polygon form joint venture for paper cutlery

WhatPackaging? Team — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:38:00

Wscs has formed a joint venture with Polygon, an Indian paper cutlery manufacturer. This partnership will introduce paper cutlery to global markets, including the UK, Europe, and the USA. This move aligns with Wscs's aim for sustainable packaging solutions.

Ian Brett, managing director of Wscs, visited India and met with Polygon founders Mridul and Tushar. They discussed combining Wscs's global procurement and distribution skills with Polygon's paper-based sustainability solutions. The agreement shows a shared commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

Amit Prakash, director of Wscs India, helped facilitate this collaboration. His knowledge of the Indian market and industry connections brought Wscs and Polygon together. He focuses on developing India as a strategic base for global sustainable product distribution.

The joint venture gives Wscs exclusive distribution rights for Polygon's paper cutlery in international markets. Paper cutlery has growing demand in foodservice, catering, and hospitality sectors due to sustainability goals and regulations against single-use plastics.

Wscs will invest in local warehousing, logistics networks, and marketing campaigns. The company plans to inform industry stakeholders about paper cutlery's performance and its role in reducing environmental impact. Ian Brett commented, "Our vision is to offer practical, scalable solutions that align with our customers’ sustainability objectives while maintaining quality and usability."

Wscs' long-term plan includes expanding its product range through similar collaborations. It will focus on compostable packaging and foodservice products. The paper cutlery initiative with Polygon is part of a plan to make sustainability accessible for global brands.

This partnership with Polygon marks a new stage in Wscs' mission. The company will continue to seek partnerships and product developments to meet client needs and strengthen its role in responsible packaging solutions.

Plastic Treaty negotiations reach critical stage

Sai Deepthi P — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:00:00

The United Nations (UN) Plastics Treaty which aims to address plastic pollution has entered its final stage of negotiations.

According to reports, the UN treaty on plastic pollution seeks to create a legally binding instrument to stop plastic pollution globally. This includes the entire plastic life cycle, from production to disposal. Reports indicate the plastic waste management market size was USD 36.2-billion in 2022 and will grow to USD 53.6-billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%.

The treaty's negotiations began in November 2022. Member states agreed to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. This includes marine environments. The agreement came at the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) in March 2022. The goal is to finish negotiations by the end of 2024.

Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) urges the UN to agree on a global plastic pollution treaty. WWF states that 2.2-billion tonnes of plastic will be produced by 2050 without a treaty. This will result in 1.1-billion tonnes of plastic waste. WWF also highlights the urgency of global action. It reports that plastic production is set to double by 2040. This will increase plastic pollution in the ocean fourfold. This plastic will impact over 800 marine and coastal species. Some estimates suggest plastic pollution costs the world up to USD 13-billion per year.

The treaty addresses several key areas. These include plastic production, product design, waste management, and financial mechanisms. It also considers chemicals of concern in plastic. The negotiations have faced challenges, including disagreements among member states on the scope and strength of the treaty. Some countries advocate for strong controls on plastic production, while others prefer focusing on waste management and recycling.

The UN Plastics Treaty aims to establish rules and measures to control the plastic problem. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the effectiveness of the global response to plastic pollution.

Two weeks ago, researchers highlighted flaws in the proposed treaty. A group of fossil fuel-producing countries, plastic industries, promote the idea that recycling can solve the plastics crisis. The researchers counter this, stating that no safe way to recycle most plastics exists. These groups oppose caps on plastic production to continue profiting from environmental and health damage.

The researchers recommended delegates address World Health Assembly concerns regarding the human and environmental health impacts of plastics when treaty talks resume in August 2025. They advise creating a treaty that protects health and the environment as core objectives. They recommended the treaty to focus on capping and reducing plastic production and encouraging alternatives, remove toxic releases and emissions at all stages of the plastic lifecycle, including banning the recycling of plastics that contain toxic chemicals. It also called for reporting, transparency, and accountability on plastic production and wastes, imports, and exports (including associated chemicals).

Bisleri partners with Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve for plastic waste management initiative

Sai Deepthi — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:46:00

Bisleri International, under its CSR initiative Bottles for Change, has partnered with Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to promote responsible plastic waste management in the ecologically sensitive area, according to news agencies and reports.

The Reserve, located in Chandrapur district and spanning 1,727-sq. km, is Maharashtra’s largest and oldest national park. As part of the project, Bisleri has installed educational display boards along forest roads, upcycled plastic benches, and collection bins to encourage source segregation and plastic recycling. The partnership also aims to engage local communities and visitors in sustainable conservation practices.

K Ganesh, director of sustainability & corporate affairs at Bisleri International, said the partnership with Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. He noted that managing plastic waste in the reserve is vital for preserving biodiversity and advancing a circular economy, and acknowledged the support of the Maharashtra Forest Department in making the initiative possible.

Material recovery centres, run by local self-help groups, are set up in six locations in four states, including Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Sawai Madhapur (Rajasthan), Mumbai (Maharashtra), and Goa.

DuPont highlights progress towards 2030 sustainability goals

Treya Sinha — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:37:00

DuPont has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, showcasing substantial strides toward its 2030 Sustainability Goals. The report details the company's commitment to integrating innovation with sustainability, leading to notable achievements across its three core focus areas: Innovate for Good, Protect People and the Planet, and Empower People to Thrive.

Lori Koch, CEO, DuPont, emphasised the connection between innovation and sustainability, stating, "At DuPont, innovation and sustainability are deeply interconnected, and that’s reflected in the strong results we’ve delivered. This past year, our teams advanced breakthrough technologies, reduced our environmental footprint, and deepened our commitment to employee well-being and thriving communities."

Koch added that the progress, including global recognition for product innovation, record safety performance, and climate milestones, underscores how DuPont teams are creating value for customers, shareholders, and communities.

Within the Innovate for Good category, DuPont launched over 30 new product offerings that provide sustainability and performance advantages in sectors such as advanced computing, vehicle electrification, medical devices, building materials, and water purification. The company also received eight R&D 100 and Edison Awards for products with positive performance and sustainability benefits, and the 2024 Best Partner Award for Innovation from Samsung Electronics.

Notably, more than 75% of DuPont’s innovation portfolio is expected to deliver sustainability value for customers, based on an updated proprietary portfolio sustainability assessment.

In the Protect People and the Planet area, DuPont achieved a new safest year on record for employees and contractors, with 84% of manufacturing sites reporting zero injury performance. The company also reported a 55% reduction in total Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions from their respective baselines. Furthermore, 61% of electric power to DuPont operations now comes from renewable sources, with 41 sites operating on 100% renewable electricity. The report also highlighted top sustainability awards for FilmTec Nanofiltration membranes and AmberLite ion exchange resins.

For Empower People to Thrive, the annual IMPACT employee survey revealed that 89% of responding employees feel their work matters and are connected to the company’s purpose. Employees volunteered over 3,800 hours at 166 DuPont-sponsored events. DuPont also earned Great Place To Work Certification in the U.S. and South Korea and was recognised as a Top Employer in China for the third consecutive year.

Alexa Dembek, chief technology and sustainability officer, reiterated the importance of sustainability for DuPont. “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and a strategic growth driver for DuPont,” said Dembek. “By embedding sustainability into our innovation pipeline, we can unlock new market opportunities, enhance operational efficiency, and create long-term value for our stakeholders.”

Dr S Sivaram: Without data, there is no analysis

Anhata Rooprai — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:59:00

At the fourth ResPack International Conference in Mumbai, Dr S Sivaram — former director of the CSIR- National Chemical Laboratory and currently honorary Professor Emeritus and INSA Emeritus Scientist at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune — delivered a keynote address on the challenges of achieving circularity in polyolefin packaging.

"Packaging lies at the heart of our discussions around plastic waste," he began." "If we can solve the packaging plastics waste issue, we would, in effect, have solved the plastic waste problem."

Polyolefins — primarily polyethene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) — account for nearly 78% of global plastic packaging waste. In India alone, about 14-million tonnes of polyolefins were produced in 2024, with over 60% directed toward packaging. Yet, the reality is stark: only a fraction of this packaging waste is meaningfully recycled. Most are informally downcycled into low-quality products, which is far from the goal of true circularity. Sivaram drew attention to the shift in innovation drivers. "Twenty years ago, innovation was led by technology and markets," he said. "Today, sustainability and circularity form the third pillar." This evolving triad — technology, customer need, and sustainability — has made meaningful innovation more difficult, yet all the more necessary.

The data speaks volumes. India generates eight million tonnes of polyolefin packaging waste annually. Despite official claims of 60% recycling, most of it occurs in the informal sector and results in low-grade applications. As the presentation pointed out, "This is not circularity. If we don’t standardise and innovate, this waste will remain waste, no matter how much we reprocess it." Adding urgency is the concept of Plastic Overshoot Day, the date on which a country’s plastic waste generation surpasses its waste management capacity. In 2024, India hit this point on 20 April, months ahead of the global average on 5 September. "For the rest of the year, we are effectively borrowing against our future," Sivaram warned.

A key obstacle is India’s lack of robust, data-driven material flow analysis. An Australian study from 2024 made early attempts at mapping polymer waste streams, but with limited Indian data. "In a country with so much academic and industrial expertise, why has India not done this?" Sivaram asked. He said, “Without data, there is no analysis; and without analysis, there is no solution.”

One point he reiterated was, “Reuse is not the same as circularity.” Mechanical recycling, a common reuse strategy, merely delays waste, rather than closing the loop. "As an industr,y we must stop using these terms interchangeably? It creates confusion."

His presentation reinforced this, stating that polyolefins are chemically complex for simplistic recycling solutions. These polymers contain a diverse array of additives (stabilisers, pigments, inorganic fillers, processing aids) that often behave unpredictably after a single thermal processing cycle.

For example, Sivaram noted, “If you run a natural colour, single-use polypropylene product through an extruder, what comes out is often a grey or black product. Not because the polymer has degraded, it hasn’t, but because the additives have undergone little-understood secondary chemical transformations leading to the dark colour.”

This, he said, is worrying in food delivery packaging. Many containers manufactured from black recycled polypropylene are used in fast food home delivery services. These are not microwavable. Their use in such applications bypasses regulatory clearance. "This is not a good practice," he said, and urged the ResPack gathering to refrain from using black food packaging containers.

His solution? Transparency and redesign. The presentation called for QR code-based labelling on packaging, listing all additives, fillers, pigments, and printing inks. “Why can’t we create open-source data on these materials?” he asked, noting that such transparency is vital to making recycling safer and more effective.

Sivaram cited the Indian dairy sector — the world’s largest — as a missed opportunity for circularity. With over 2.5-million tonnes of LDPE used for milk packaging annually, each 4-gramme pouch is discarded after a single use. “With a focused effort, this could be a five-year success story,” he said, highlighting how India had pioneered flexible milk pouches in the 1980s but failed to make them circular.

His critique of the fragmented value chain was compelling. From resin producers and processors to brand owners and recyclers, the lack of coordination stymies progress. The presentation included a visual of this fragmented system, highlighting the importance of inter-industry dialogue. Dr Sivaram signed off saying, “We need more conversation among players across this value chain.”

Coca-Cola India’s recycled India flag enters Limca Book of Records 2025

WhatPackaging? Team — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 14:21:00

Coca-Cola India’s rPET India flag, unveiled during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, has earned a place in the Limca Book of Records 2025, under the category, largest flag – recycled material. Introduced as part of the Maidaan Saaf campaign, the flag was made from post-consumer PET bottles and was proudly displayed during the opening ceremony at every World Cup match played by India.

Held from 5th October to 19th November 2023 across 10 stadiums, the tournament witnessed over 1,000 volunteers, wearing safety jackets crafted from rPET bottles, actively engaging and educating spectators on proper waste segregation, ensuring stadiums were left clean and ensuring awareness was actioned on-ground.

Speaking on the recognition, Devyani Rana, vice president – public affairs, communications and sustainability, Coca-Cola India & South West Asia, said, “This moment is not just about setting a record; it's about reimagining possibilities. At Coca-Cola India, we believe in the power of innovation and collaboration to drive meaningful change. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners ‘Go Rewise’ who played a crucial role in creating the Recycled PET Flags, and to ICC for their invaluable efforts. These flags are a testament to how recycling can transform waste into valuable resources, and their recognition by the Limca Book of Records is a proud moment that reaffirms our progress."

The rPET India flag was crafted using approximately 11,000 post-consumer PET bottles, which were recycled by Go Rewise, Ganesha Ecoverse into Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified yarn. The packaging materials were also repurposed – underscoring the campaign’s end to end sustainable design.

Yash Sharma, founder, Go Rewise, said, “At Go Rewise, we are proud to have transformed post-consumer PET bottles into high-quality recycled yarn used in the making of the iconic India flag. The recognition by the Limca Book of Records affirms how innovation in recycling can not only reduce waste but also give rise to powerful symbols of unity and environmental responsibility.”

Anurag Dahiya, chief commercial officer, International Cricket Council added, “Our partnership with Coca-Cola India captivated audiences and meaningfully celebrated the spirit of cricket during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The recognition by the Limca Book of Records for the recycled PET India flag is a proud moment, showcasing how sustainability and sport can come together to create lasting impact.”

Launched in 2023, Maidaan Saaf is an awareness campaign by Coca-Cola India that highlights various initiatives, focusing on enhancing recyclability, integrating recycled materials, and reducing waste. Through the program, Coca-Cola India continues to reinforce its commitment to its packaging goals of design and partner to collect—delivering measurable environmental impact while laying the groundwork for long-term, community-driven behavioural change.

UFlex to showcase sustainable packaging innovations

WhatPackaging? Team — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:01:00

UFlex is set to showcase its latest sustainable packaging and recycling innovations at the Global Conclave on Plastics Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS) 2025, taking place from 17 to 20 June at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

UFlex will feature solutions from its packaging films and engineering businesses. The engineering division will demonstrate ReLAM 50, a compact recycling unit capable of processing up to 50-kg of mixed flexible waste per hour. Targeted at start-ups, rural enterprises, and local recyclers, ReLAM 50 converts waste into reusable granules or panels for non-critical applications, encouraging decentralised, grassroots-level circularity.

A key highlight is its U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)-approved “single-pellet solution” that combines over 30% recycled PET with virgin PET to produce food-grade packaging. This high-clarity, high-strength material underscores UFlex’s leadership as the only Indian flexible packaging company with certified food-grade recycling across PET, PE, and PP.

SAPCO powers up with solar: A sustainable leap in packaging

Sai Deepthi P — Thu, 29 May 2025 12:01:00

Shree Arun Packaging Company (SAPCO), a legacy player in India’s folding carton industry for over 55 years, has taken a significant step toward clean manufacturing by installing a rooftop solar power system at its factory.

The new solar installation now powers a large portion of SAPCO’s production facility, reducing dependence on conventional electricity and enabling more responsible operations.

Environmental Impact
- 60 tons of CO₂ emissions offset per month
- Equivalent to planting 15 trees every month
- Annual savings: 720 tons CO₂, equal to 180 trees
- Potential to generate carbon credits that can be monetized or used to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting goals.

The print and packaging industry is energy-intensive. SAPCO’s initiative demonstrates how packaging converters can combine sustainability with scale, efficiency, and quality, without compromising on performance. This transition sets a benchmark for others in the industry to rethink energy usage.

SAPCO Management said that as converters, they can no longer think only in terms of production output — “Every decision must also consider environmental impact. Our shift to solar is just one step in a larger commitment to future-ready, responsible packaging. It’s our way of giving back to the earth, while setting an example for what the print industry is capable of.”

Beyond solar, SAPCO continues to invest in waste reduction, material optimisation, recyclable and mono-material carton development, and all in alignment with global sustainability trends and customer expectations. Since 2021, the factory has used only LED lights, and the travel to the factory is in EVs and hybrid vehicles.

Interview with Vishwamdev Bhotica, technical director, SAPCO

Sai Deepthi (SD): Please describe the installation process for the solar panels. Was it hassle-free?
Vishwamdev Bhotica (VB): Yes, it was fairly straightforward, where we had to take permission from the government and check the structural strength of our roof.

SD: How much MWh do you generate annually?
VB: 500-MWh is slated to be generated annually, considering the weather in our geographical area. With solar usage, SAPCO will cut its grid electricity usage by approximately 30%.

SD: Climate concerns remain a key issue for both consumers and businesses when buying packaging products. How important is SAPCO's shift to a sustainable lifestyle to your customers?
VB: At SAPCO, our shift to sustainable packaging isn't just a choice — it’s a response to what our customers now demand. Climate-conscious businesses rely on us for recyclable, plastic-free, and efficient solutions that align with their values and consumer expectations.

SD: Tushar Bhotica had stated that power and energy are a major source of cost for a packaging converter. What is the maths behind this?
VB: Energy cost is 3-5% for a packaging converter; we have heavy machinery coupled with air conditioning and heaters, and air compressors.

SD: Do you think factories that need a wide floorspace and high daytime demand for electricity are ideal candidates for solar?
VB: Solar cost is proportional to investment budget or area that can be used for solar roofing, so at any scale, it is a smart investment, especially since you are contributing to a greener tomorrow. For example, at SAPCO, we have around 40000-sq ft of solar roofing. And for mid-sized firms looking to invest, it all depends on the area, but the ballpark figure would be about Rs 35-40,000 per KW.

SD: Do you work with an external consultant to examine and execute the project?
VB: No, not at all.

SD: Are you pleased with the results from your solar investment so far?
VB: So far, so good, and we’d recommend it to other businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and long-term energy costs.

SD: Have you set a carbon reduction target?
VB: We have reduced our emissions, and our goal is to be more efficient in terms of our usage of electricity, thus being aware and moving towards carbon neutrality.

SAPCO was founded by Narayan Prasad Bhotica in 1970. It was equipped with letterpress and the mandatory hand-platen punching machines. Until 1995, Sapco operated from a unit in Lower Parel with its wrapper production unit. Today, Sapco operates from a single unit spread over a 60,000 sqft site near Kalyan, where it moved in 2021.

Sustainable packaging can establish stronger brands

Prabhat Prakash — Thu, 15 May 2025 14:08:00

Sustainability has become a mandate for corporations globally. Embedding it into an organisation’s business philosophy makes it easier for companies to cater to a larger demand.

The Indian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market is projected to reach USD 616 billion by 2027. As the industry evolves and expands, packaging will become a powerful tool, as it ensures products are delivered to the end consumer in the best condition and the brand’s commitment to social, environmental, and governance (ESG) principles.

Companies are investing in efficient manufacturing and supply chains as the need for responsible and sustainable packaging is on the rise. Manufacturers are exploring innovative packaging solutions by experimenting with materials and design. By embracing the principles of circular economy, brands are looking to transform their packaging footprint, and meeting the ever-evolving consumer demands becomes crucial. Manufacturers also need to innovate, keeping in mind shifting sensibilities, consumer demand and how they interact with packaging.

Reuse, reduce and recycle isn’t new to Indian consumers, but there is a gap between intent and action. The majority of Indian consumers are in favour of sustainable packaging, but when it comes to making an eco-friendly purchase, there is hesitation. Convenience and cost influence purchasing decisions, which outweigh environmental concerns.

Speaking to WhatPackaging?, an industry expert said, “Indian consumers make price-sensitive choices; if the cost of packaging increases the cost of a product without any changes, it discourages the customer from making the purchase.”

Indian packaging companies are investing in innovation and R&D to stay abreast with the latest developments in sustainability. This is being done so that when the transformation (moving away from plastic) does happen in the Indian market, the sector is prepared for the shift.

This is a challenge as well as an opportunity for brands. With a better understanding of consumer behaviour and choices, brands can rise to the occasion and innovate in the direction of sustainability, while influencing consumer demand and behaviour. This can drive the change in consumer buying choices and push them closer to action, as consumers are a part of the solution, but they cannot drive it. Consumers expect brands to take the initiative and lead the way, and if it isn’t done, they lose focus.

Packaging is more than just a container to deliver the product intact to the consumer; it can become a powerful communication tool that brands and companies can leverage effectively. ESG messaging can be conveyed through packaging demonstrating the brand’s commitment to sustainability through material choices and building trust with consumers to align with the values.

To effectively leverage packaging as an ESG messenger, brands need to quantify the impact of such measures. It goes beyond the environmental footprint of packaging, requiring a comprehensive approach on how the brand is perceived, consumer behaviour and business performance. Measurement strategies should also take into account sales data, consumer engagement, recycling programmes and research on real-time purchasing decisions.

Packaging, if done correctly, has the potential to go beyond messaging, delivering a positive impact on the long-term assets of the brand. When innovating with packaging, brands should consider the opportunities to strengthen the brand’s position amongst potential consumers.

FMCG brands can meet the demands of the changing dynamics of the market with a holistic and consumer-centric approach. It will help unlock new opportunities for the brand and help with brand loyalty growth.

With additional inputs from Campaign India.

Sudpack and IMA develop recyclable blister packaging for existing lines

WhatPackaging? Team — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:35:00

Sudpack Medica in partnership with packaging machinery specialist IMA is developing new mono-material structures that can be processed on customers’ existing blister lines with the same efficiency, product protection, and packaging reliability as conventional PVC/PVDC solutions. The press release noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to future-proof packaging solutions, designed to meet evolving market and regulatory demands.

The partnership will leverage IMA’s OpenLab network, analytical laboratories dedicated to testing and optimising material-machine interaction. By evaluating thermoforming behaviour, sealing performance, and printability, OpenLab ensures new PP-based materials offer reliable and repeatable performance across various blister formats. The lab’s comprehensive material structure database, backed by real-world test results, enables rapid troubleshooting and precise adjustments during development.

This data-driven approach allows Sudpack and IMA to fine-tune materials to meet both internal performance benchmarks and external sustainability goals. Calling it future-proof packaging, Sudpack is developing sustainable solutions anticipating regulatory shifts in pharmaceutical packaging.Sudpack and IMA are actively developing market-ready solutions that are not only recyclable but also compatible with current equipment.

Goodbye plastic waste? EPR deadline is today

Sai Deepthi P — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:32:00

With India generating 26,000-tonnes of plastic waste every day, conversations about waste management responsibility are particularly important. While blockbuster brands and the packaging ecosystem have been prepping for D-Day, Recykal cautioned the industry that "7,00,000 fake certificates and key polluters are missing." The tweet posted on their X handle alluded to the fact that India’s EPR compliance system is at a critical juncture. Fraud, misaligned accountability, and an undervalued recycling ecosystem are undermining the very essence of "polluter pays."

With 8-million tonnes of plastic packaging waste generated annually, urgent reforms are non-negotiable, said the Recykal spokesperson. Recykal operates in 30 states and union territories. The group has ensured waste channeling went from 10,000-metric tonnes (mt) annually to 200,000-mt. Even then, the group believes accountability shouldn’t feel like a juggling act. The Recykal EPR Loop streamlines compliance.

Rajesh Kumar Gera is a packaging and recycling consultant who puts some things into context about the PET recycling industry. He said the industry had a turnover of INR 5,000-crore in 2020-21. This has increased to INR 7,000-crore plus in 2023-24. Gera added, "Today, India has one of the highest PET recycling rates at 92%, which competes with the best nation-states globally. The Indian recycling industry consists of unorganised and organised recyclers."

When Team WhatPackaging? attended the Plastics Recycling Show in 2024, we noticed that despite new installations, there is a demand-supply gap for rPET chips. PET consumption in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9-10% over the next five years, further driving demand for rPET.

The Indian PET recycling industry is projected to grow at 15-20% p.a. in the coming years. It is estimated that the Indian PET recycling industry will have a turnover of INR 10,000-crore plus in the next two to three years’ time. As Rajesh Gera said, "In addition to traditional mechanical recycling, there is an interest in chemical and biochemical (enzymatic) recycling for difficult-to-recycle PET packaging and other polyester materials like textiles." A major business daily also pointed out how India requires about 1,200 kilo tonnes of rigid PET annually.

There is a lot of good news, though. Uflex Limited announced an investment of INR 317-crore towards the establishment of two new recycling plants in Noida to process 39,600-mt of plastic waste. The USP of the recycling plant is super-clean, capable of de-inking post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials by over 95%, making it one of the most advanced methods globally. The certification adheres to international standards and contributes to the global shift toward a circular economy, the company informed stock exchanges in a filing.

Some manufacturers have directly partnered with plastic recycling companies to set up recycling plants. In December 2024, SLMG Beverages, Coca-Cola India’s bottling partner, partnered with DPIPL, a leader in plastic recycling, to set up an INR 220-crore greenfield recycling plant in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. It can process 36,000-mt of recycled PET flakes and 24,000-mt of PET granules annually.

Meanwhile, D-Day is here. Businesses are obligated under the new EPR scheme to submit their packaging data and register with their environmental regulator. Failure to meet the 1 April deadline could result in enforcement action. There may be an extension, but the word from the EPR experts is not to treat this as an April Fool's joke.

EPR - In a nutshell

In February 2022, the central government amended the Plastic Waste Management Rules and notified the Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic Packaging. The guidelines mandate beverage makers use 30% recycled plastic in rigid packaging from 1 April 2025, with annual increments of 10%.

For industries like the automobile manufacturers, they will be required to recycle 8% of the steel used in vehicles sold in 2005-06, with a gradual increase to 18% by 2035-36.

What EPR does is that it redirects waste management responsibility from municipalities to producers and brand owners, and works on the polluter pays policy. It tries to bring in sustainability measures at the manufacturing stage to effectively deal with environmental concerns. While this is bound to increase the demand for recycled plastic granules, there are concerns over the enforceability of EPR and reports of a possible shortage of recycled content, especially the availability of food-grade plastic approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Under EPR, manufacturers are mandated to implement eco-friendly design practices, facilitate proper recycling channels, and manage the safe disposal of their products at the end of their life cycle.