India's push to developing a circular economy is set to drive a transformative shift in business and sustainability, potentially generating over USD 2 trillion in market value and creating nearly 10 million jobs by 2050. Speaking at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, highlighted the immense economic potential of the circular economy, likening it to one of the most significant shifts since the Industrial Revolution. By moving away from the traditional "take, make, waste" model, the circular economy is projected to contribute an additional $4.5 trillion in global economic output by 2030.
India has also put forth its candidacy to host the prestigious World Circular Economy Forum in 2026, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable economic practices. The forum, scheduled to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2025, serves as a global platform to discuss innovative circular economy strategies and India’s proposal to host the subsequent edition reflects its proactive approach to environmental sustainability.
Highlighting India's robust waste management framework, Minister Yadav detailed various initiatives, including the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016), which target multiple sectors to control plastic pollution. These rules have catalyzed significant measures across various industries, ultimately leading to the 2022 ban on specific single-use plastics. Additionally, the Mission 'LiFE' initiative has driven the notification of Eco-Mark Rules, encouraging demand for eco-friendly products while promoting energy efficiency principles.
India’s Circular Economy Action Plans cover 10 waste categories, with regulatory frameworks under development. Comprehensive waste management policies, such as the e-Waste Management Rules, Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, and Metals Recycling Policy, reinforce the nation’s efforts toward sustainable resource utilization.
A key session, co-chaired by Srinivas Kathikala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and Sudhansh Pant, Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, emphasized advancements in waste management. The session witnessed the launch of crucial reports and agreements, including the introduction of the SBM Waste to Wealth PMS Portal. This digital platform, developed under the Swachh Bharat Mission, aims to streamline project monitoring, enhance data management, and facilitate efficient resource allocation in waste management.
The event also saw the release of the IFC Document Reference Guide, which outlines various business models for municipal solid waste processing, including waste-to-energy, biomethanation, and bioremediation. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) was signed to promote research-driven waste management solutions.
The release of 'India’s Circular Sutra: A Compendium of Best Practices in 3R & Circular Economy' documents successful case studies and innovative approaches within the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) framework, offering valuable insights for urban local bodies and stakeholders interested in implementing circular economy solutions.
The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) presented its latest study, offering a detailed outlook on solid waste management practices in cities with populations exceeding one million. The report highlights sustainable waste management strategies, circular economy principles, and decentralized solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges of India's rapidly urbanizing regions.
Delegates participated in a technical site visit to Jaipur’s waste management facilities, including the Waste to Energy Plant and Sanitary Landfill Site at Langariyawas and the Dehlawas Sewage Treatment Plant. These visits provided firsthand insights into innovative waste processing techniques.
