EPR Certification for Plastic Packaging Waste

What is EPR?

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach where the responsibility for managing the environmental impact of a product—especially its post-consumer stage—is extended to the manufacturer, importer, or brand owner.

In India, EPR for plastic packaging waste is regulated under:

• Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended in 2022)
• Governed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and monitored via the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Why is EPR Certification Important?

• Environmental Responsibility
• Regulatory Compliance
• Transparent Waste Management
• Boost to Circular Economy

Who Needs EPR Certification?

• Producers
• Importers
• Brand Owners
• Plastic Waste Processors / Recyclers

Categories of Plastic Packaging under EPR

The CPCB classifies plastic packaging into four categories:

• Category I: Rigid plastic packaging
• Category II: Flexible plastic packaging (single-layer/multilayer)
• Category III: Multilayered plastic packaging not included above
• Category IV: Compostable plastic packaging

Benefits of EPR Certification for PIBOs and Recyclers

For PIBOs (Producers, Importers, Brand Owners):

• Legal compliance & risk avoidance
• Enhanced brand image & ESG credentials
• Market access & export readiness
• Supports CSR & sustainability goals

For Recyclers & Processors:

• Access to new clients and business
• Recognition as authorized waste handler
• Data transparency and government tie-ups
• Boosted demand for recycling infrastructure

EPR Certification in 2025: Trends to Watch

• Digital monitoring through CPCB’s online tracking system
• Plastic credit trading for EPR surplus and shortfall balancing
• Increased industry collaboration with recyclers and aggregators
• Rising push for biodegradable and recyclable packaging designs
• Third-party audit and verification becoming mandatory for large players