India’s bold new policy requiring beverage makers to use at least 30% recycled PET (rPET) in plastic bottles starting April 2025 is making waves—and rightly so. It’s a strong push toward sustainability, and it’s putting pressure on major players like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo to back up their environmental promises with action.

The tricky part? Right now, India only has a handful of FSSAI-approved facilities that can produce food-grade rPET—enough to meet just 15% of the demand. That means supply chain hiccups are likely, and companies may face higher costs to keep shelves stocked.

Still, this could be the push the industry needs. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have both made global commitments to increase recycled content in their packaging—this policy might just help turn those long-term goals into short-term reality for the Indian market.

There’s also a bigger picture here: this isn’t just about corporate targets. For real impact, India will need stronger recycling infrastructure and support for the informal waste workers who keep so much of the system running.

Bottom line? It won’t be easy, but India’s rPET mandate could be a real game-changer for plastic circularity—and an opportunity for brands to show they’re serious about sustainability.