EPR for Plastic Packaging: Targets, Timelines, and How to Choose a PRO

What Is EPR for Plastic Packaging?

Under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2016 (amended 2022), every Producer, Importer, and Brand Owner (PIBO) who introduces plastic packaging into the market must register on the CPCB EPR portal and fulfil annual collection/recycling targets. Failure to comply attracts Environmental Compensation levied by CPCB.

Who Is Covered?

• Producers — manufacturers of plastic packaging material (films, pouches, rigid containers, multi-layer packaging)
• Importers — companies importing products in plastic packaging for domestic sale
• Brand Owners — entities whose brand appears on packaged goods sold to end consumers

Even small and medium enterprises with annual plastic packaging volumes above the notified threshold must register.

EPR Targets (FY2025–26)

Category I — Rigid Plastic Packaging

• Recycling target: 50% of plastic introduced in previous year
• End-of-life obligation: No extended landfill — collection + processing mandatory

Category II — Flexible Plastic Packaging

• Recycling target: 30% (rising to 50% by FY2028–29)
• Co-processing (cement kilns) permitted for fraction that cannot be mechanically recycled

Category III — Multi-Layered Plastic (MLP)

• Collection target: 30% of MLP introduced
• End-of-use options: co-processing, road construction, energy recovery

How EPR Credits Work

PIBOs fulfil their obligations by procuring EPR certificates from registered recyclers or through a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO). Each EPR certificate represents 1 metric tonne of plastic waste collected and processed. Certificates are issued on the CPCB EPR portal and linked directly to your PIBO account — there is no physical certificate.

Choosing the Right PRO

A PRO must be registered with CPCB. Key evaluation criteria:

• Category coverage — ensure the PRO handles your specific packaging categories (rigid, flexible, MLP)
• Geographic reach — collection network should match your distribution footprint
• Recycler tie-ups — verify that downstream recyclers are CPCB-registered and active on the portal
• Certificate issuance track record — request past client references and annual return filing history
• Transparency — PROs should share real-time certificate issuance data on your CPCB dashboard

Annual Return Filing

Every registered PIBO must file an Annual Return on the CPCB EPR portal by 30 June of the following financial year. The return captures: plastic introduced (by category), EPR certificates procured, and any carry-forward of obligations. Late filing invites Environmental Compensation at ₹10,000 per day.