Tell us briefly about Rungta Greentech 

Rungta Greentech is an Indian company focused on environmental sustainability, specializing in the recycling and processing of plastic waste, particularly PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). With a commitment to reducing plastic pollution, Rungta Greentech leverages advanced recycling technologies and operational expertise to provide innovative solutions for managing plastic waste, promoting circular economy principles, and contributing to India's plastic waste management goals. Through its efforts, Rungta aims to create a cleaner environment while also addressing the rising demand for recycled plastic products.

How would you describe the current state of plastics recycling in India?

India's plastics recycling industry is rapidly evolving but still faces significant challenges. The country is one of the largest consumers of plastic, generating millions of tons of plastic waste annually. Despite a growing awareness of the environmental impact of plastic, only a small fraction of the total plastic waste is formally recycled. A large portion of recycling is informal, carried out by small-scale operations that lack efficient technologies and proper waste management systems. However, there has been notable progress with increasing government initiatives, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and awareness campaigns that are encouraging both industry players and consumers to take more responsibility for recycling. 

What are the most significant challenges and opportunities in the Indian plastics recycling sector, particularly in the PET space?

India's plastic waste management and recycling sector faces several challenges, primarily due to fragmented infrastructure that relies heavily on informal sector practices. This results in inefficiencies in waste collection, sorting, and downcycling. Additionally, recycling rates remain low, particularly for Multilayer Packaging, which is difficult to recycle due to mixed polymer contamination, inadequate segregation at source, and limited recycling capacity. Consumer awareness is another critical issue, as many people do not recognise the importance of waste segregation, making effective recycling efforts more challenging. Brands need to take the initiative in launching awareness campaigns about littering and proper waste disposal. Furthermore, inconsistent waste collection and improper disposal systems reduce both the quality and quantity of recyclable plastics available for processing. However, several opportunities exist to address these challenges. 

Technological advancements, such as Near-Infrared (NIR) and AI-based sorting systems, can improve recycling efficiency and reduce contamination. Public-private partnerships between private companies, government agencies, and NGOs can also help strengthen waste management infrastructure and encourage responsible disposal practices. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework presents another significant opportunity by mandating producers to manage the disposal of their packaging waste, thus driving investment in recycling facilities and increasing corporate accountability. Moreover, the growing emphasis on circular economy models, where waste is viewed as a resource and products are designed with recyclability in mind, is a promising direction for the plastics sector. PET recycling, which is already gaining momentum, serves as a strong example of how circular solutions can be implemented effectively. 

Where do you see the plastics recycling industry in India heading in the next 5–10 years? 

Over the next 5 to 10 years, India’s plastics recycling industry is likely to undergo transformative changes. As the country faces mounting pressure to reduce plastic pollution, the government is expected to implement stricter regulations and waste management policies. The industry will likely see:

Improved Infrastructure: Investments in formal recycling facilities and modern waste collection systems will increase, enabling more efficient recycling of mono layer and multi layer plastics.

Greater Industry Collaboration: Public-private partnerships and collaboration between stakeholders, including waste management companies, municipalities, and producers, will become more common.

Technology Integration: The use of cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and blockchain to track and manage plastic waste will streamline the recycling process, increasing the overall efficiency and scale.

Increased Recycled PET Utilization: As demand for sustainable packaging and products grows, recycled PET (rPET) will become a preferred material for various food / edible product packaging industries. PET being the most recycled plastic material in the world and its ability to be recycled a number of times without much degradation. 

Stronger Regulatory Framework: The Indian government will keep making stronger regulations to enforce EPR, encourage recycling, circular model in recycling and penalize plastic waste mismanagement.

This evolving landscape will present significant growth opportunities for businesses in the recycling sector, while also addressing the urgent need for better waste management and environmental sustainability.

What role does Runta Greentech play in shaping this future?
Rungta Greentech is at the forefront of driving change in India’s plastics recycling landscape, particularly in the PET recycling space. The company plays a key role by:

Adopting Advanced Recycling Technologies: Rungta Greentech invests in state-of-the-art recycling technologies that improve the quality and efficiency of PET recycling.

Driving Sustainability: Through its operations, the company contributes to reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste and promotes a circular economy, where plastics are recycled and reused instead of ending up in landfills or oceans.

Collaboration with Stakeholders: Rungta Greentech actively collaborates with manufacturers, waste management companies, and government bodies to develop robust recycling infrastructure and create awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal.

Innovative Solutions: The company focuses on innovative solutions for processing plastic waste and producing high-quality recycled PET, which can be used in packaging and other consumer products, supporting the demand for sustainable and upcycled materials.

Policy Advocacy: By advocating for stronger waste management policies and participating in initiatives like EPR, Rungta Greentech is helping shape a regulatory environment conducive to the growth of the recycling industry.

Expansion with Rungta Eco Extrusions Pvt. Ltd.: Through its 100 % owned subsidiary, Rungta Eco Extrusions Pvt. Ltd., the company is taking its sustainability goals to the next level by setting up a state-of-the-art PET upcycling facility in Howrah, West Bengal, with a capacity of 35,000 tons of recycled food-grade rPET granules with approvals from USFDA, FSSAI and EFSA. This facility will significantly contribute to meeting the growing demand for high-quality recycled plastic and advancing Rungta Greentech's commitment to sustainability and a circular economy.

As the plastics recycling sector in India matures, Rungta Greentech’s efforts will be integral to shaping a more sustainable future, where recycling becomes a mainstream practice and plastic waste is managed more efficiently across the country.