Government’s Circular Economy Push
India is preparing to expand Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines to additional sectors in an effort to foster a circular economy, according to a senior government official.
- Ved Prakash Mishra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), announced the move at a FICCI event.
- The government, with the support of NITI Aayog, has identified 10-11 sectors for potential implementation.
Need for Policy Shift
- Mishra emphasized the urgency of moving away from the traditional “take, make, and dispose” model.
- Circular economy policies under EPR are seen as essential for sustainable resource management and environmental protection.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
- EPR is a policy approach that makes producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products.
- This includes:
- Product design for longevity and recycling
- Post-consumer waste management
- End-of-life disposal and environmental impact mitigation
Future Outlook
- The planned expansion of EPR guidelines is expected to create opportunities for:
- Waste reduction
- Resource efficiency
- Circular production models across multiple industries
- This move aligns with India’s broader sustainability goals and its commitment to a greener future.
The expansion of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) across more sectors will mark a major step toward building a circular economy in India. With the government’s proactive approach, industries will be encouraged to adopt responsible production practices, enhancing resource conservation and environmental sustainability.
Source: The Economic Times
