Plastics: The riddle of achieving a circular economy!

Plastics: The riddle of achieving a circular economy!

As we observe the theme of 'Planet Vs Plastic' this World Earth Day , let's talk about the circular economy for plastics in India and its challenges.

Plastics are substances that hardly erase their existence, & are tough to degrade if not impossible. However, this very nature of plastics need not be a bane. 

Proper recycling & reusing guidelines can help plastics replenish their life & serve various use cases. A well-functioning circular economy, where most of the plastic is repurposed, is lucrative, both environmentally & economically. 

In the present state, numerous problems riddle plastics’ circular economy.


India's plastic circular economy faces formidable hurdles: 

  1. Waste Woes: The absence of efficient waste segregation inflates recycling costs.
  2. Chemical Conundrum: High investment in chemical recycling deters adoption.
  3. Health Hazards: Occupational risks and toxin exposure plague waste collectors.
  4. Investment Dearth: Insufficient funds stymie waste management infrastructure.
  5. Economic Uncertainty: Fluctuating raw material costs challenge profitability.
  6. Data Dearth: Sparse and unreliable data hinder strategic planning.


Addressing these challenges necessitates robust policies, increased investments, and comprehensive data tracking for sustainable solutions.

Addressing challenges for efficient plastic circularity requires prioritization based on impact. 

Technical difficulties in recycling multi-layer packaging, depletion in recyclate quality, and lack of infrastructure are key obstacles. Bioplastics face hurdles like the absence of industrial composting facilities and higher production costs. Waste disposal inefficiencies, limited alternative feedstock options, and inadequate collaboration further impede progress. 

Prioritizing and addressing these challenges collectively will foster a resource-efficient circular economy for plastics.


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