Latest news with #ExtendedProducerResponsibility
Mint
an hour ago
- Business
- Mint
E-waste control: Axe that floor price and adapt to market reality
Gift this article A wave of litigation by top electronics companies like Samsung, LG, Carrier, Daikin, Havells and Voltas has brought India's 2024 e-waste rules into the spotlight. At the centre of the dispute is a mandatory floor price of ₹ 22 per kilogram of e-waste that producers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) must pay formal recyclers. A wave of litigation by top electronics companies like Samsung, LG, Carrier, Daikin, Havells and Voltas has brought India's 2024 e-waste rules into the spotlight. At the centre of the dispute is a mandatory floor price of ₹ 22 per kilogram of e-waste that producers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) must pay formal recyclers. EEE producers argue that this raises compliance costs by up to four times compared to the pre-2024 norms, which did not mandate a floor price. Also, they argue, the policy will be environmentally ineffective, as it turns the 'polluter pays' principle into a blunt mechanism. A March 2024 amendment to India's e-waste rules introduced a floor price as part of the system of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates. It allows the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to fix a price band within which EPR certificates can be traded between producers and recyclers. The lowest price in this range is set at 30% of the penalty for non-compliance, while the highest price is set at 100%. Also Read: Ashok Lavasa: Address the missing link in e-waste recycling The problem here is its attempt to bridge a supervisory gap in India's waste management ecosystem through intervention in the market price of e-waste. The CPCB regulates the safe management of e-waste. A key part of its mandate involves formalizing the informal recycling sector, which still handles 90% of India's e-waste and yields very low recovery rates of useful metals. Unlicensed recyclers are banned from operating, but to join the formal system, they must invest in expensive upgrades. Yet, informal recycling remains India's mainstay. The limited involvement of organized private players is a systemic issue that demands proactive regulation and a formalization pathway for informal actors. A floor price is not a panacea for this. It leaves no room for recyclers and producers to negotiate prices based on market factors. Also, a guaranteed price disincentivizes recyclers from cutting costs through process innovations. That the current floor price is too high was revealed by recent bids as low as ₹ 5.90 per kg in a reverse auction that saw the participation of formal players. Recyclers earn EPR credits based on the recovery of such metals as gold, copper, aluminium and iron from e-waste. While recyclers need financial assistance to modernize operations, private producers should not be expected to shoulder the responsibility. Public funding should be used to develop the core infrastructure necessary for efficient recycling. The current regime also imposes a heavy financial burden on India's electronics manufacturers. Such regulatory constraints reduce competitiveness and discourage investment. Expensive compliance can also push recycling back into the informal sector, defeating the purpose of the regulation. Given the CPCB's ever-expanding mandate, it operates with insufficient staff and financial resources. Its staff strength declined from 389 to 379 between 2017-18 and 2022-2023 despite a rise in sanctioned posts. Vacancies nearly doubled, indicating that even as roles were added on paper, positions remained unfilled. Over roughly the same time frame, e-waste generation more than doubled to over 1.6 million tonnes, the number of regulated EEE categories jumped from 21 to 106 and the count of authorized recyclers rose from 275 to 567. So the Board's monitoring task has grown. Budget allocations have not kept pace. The CPCB was allotted ₹ 126 crore in 2025-26, even though electronics production has crossed ₹ 8.25 trillion. Additionally, funds already collected for environmental purposes remain underused. The CPCB spent less than 1% of its environmental compensation funds last year, for example. Also Read: Let India's AC market evolve to find its own comfort zone To address these gaps, three immediate reforms are necessary. First, the government must enhance the CPCB's operational and financial capacity significantly. This should include filling sanctioned staff positions, establishing regional offices and ensuring the full and timely use of collected funds. Second, the floor price should be withdrawn, with the option kept open to reinstate it later if need be. Allowing producers to sign contracts directly with certified recyclers at market rates would reduce costs, improve efficiency and reward innovation. Third, the informal sector must be better integrated into India's e-waste management system, which is critical to scaling up safe recycling infrastructure. The International Labour Organization's Recommendation No. 204 outlines how informal workers could be moved to the formal economy via legal recognition, access to finance, skills training and supply chain integration. Municipal authorities in countries such as Brazil have executed pilot projects to rally informal waste pickers into cooperatives, with access to proper infrastructure, formal contracts and health protection. With India's recycling ecosystem so heavily dependent on rag pickers, scrap dealers and repair workers, their legal recognition and support through training, finance and access to EPR systems can make this critical activity more inclusive, safer and scalable. The authors are, respectively, sustainability and manufacturing policy experts at Koan Advisory Group, New Delhi. Topics You May Be Interested In
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. Sales Hit $1.19T E-Commerce Sales as Sustainability Drives 8.63% CAGR
According to Towards Packaging consultants, the global sustainable e-commerce packaging market is projected to reach approximately USD 81.55 billion by 2034, increasing from USD 35.64 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 8.63% during the forecast period 2024 to 2034. Ottawa, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global sustainable e-commerce packaging market size stood at USD 38.72 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 81.55 billion by 2034, according to a study published by Towards Packaging, a sister firm of Precedence Research. The demand for sustainable packaging in e-commerce is increasing due to the rising government regulations on eliminating the use of harmful materials in packaging. The consumers are also being educated regarding the impact of non-recyclable packaging on the is Sustainable E-Commerce Packaging? Sustainable e-commerce packaging is the use of eco-friendly materials and packaging practices that reduce the environmental impact and promote responsible consumption for online retail (e-commerce) products. The whole packaging cycle includes the sustainable use of packaging from sourcing to delivery. The sustainable e-commerce packaging market includes the companies, technologies, materials, and services that are involved in providing eco-conscious packaging. These packages include compostable fillers, biodegradable mailers, recyclable boxes, and many more. What Are the Major Trends in the Sustainable E-Commerce Packaging Market? Adoption of circular economy models The majority of the industry players are adopting "take-make-dispose" strategies to minimize waste generation and maximize resource utilization in packaging. R&D for green supply chains The rising government push for sustainability is driving massive investments in sustainable packaging R&D, which is boosting the packaging growth that aligns with the sustainability goals. Increasing consumer awareness and education The rising sustainability awareness among consumers is attracting multiple changes from the companies that are focused on providing sustainable packaging solutions in Do Government Regulations help in the Growth of the Sustainable E-Commerce Packaging Market? The rising environmental concerns have led to many changes in multiple sectors, which majorly include the ban on single-use plastics. For instance, India banned carry bags and packaging films in 2022, which also led to many changes in e-commerce packaging, helping to promote paper-based or biodegradable packaging. The majority of the growth is also being attracted from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, which make the producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their packaging waste. This is marking a massive shift in adopting minimal packaging to reduce waste to avoid fee structures. Plastic packaging charges in the UK are also expected to mark investments in various alternatives in the online retail sector. How Will Material Innovation Drive Sustainable E-Commerce Packaging Growth in the Future? Plastic has been one of the widely used materials in the packaging industry, but at the same time, it has raised multiple concerns due to its adverse effects on the environment. As a result, companies are heavily investing in introducing new materials like mushroom packaging, which is made from mycelium (fungus roots) and agricultural waste. The biodegradability and strong cushioning make it ideal for electronics and premium goods packaging. On the other hand, seaweed-based packaging is also expected to help the sustainable e-commerce packaging market grow due to its preference in small item delivery in food and cosmetic products like wraps, sachets, and many more. Limitations and Challenges in the Sustainable E-Commerce Packaging Market High material costs The packaging industry has been constantly evolving in recent years, managing to introduce sustainable material innovations like bioplastics, mushroom, seaweed-based films, and many more. These materials often require specialized inputs, which makes them expensive compared to the petroleum-based plastics. The higher upfront costs make the adoption restraining for the SMEs, affecting their profit margin. Additionally, the e-commerce industry in the underdeveloped regions still lacks suppliers, which creates a barrier in the process. More Insights of Towards Packaging: Consumer Goods Sustainable Packaging Market - The consumer goods sustainable packaging market is booming, poised for a revenue surge into the hundreds of millions from 2025 to 2034. Bio-Based Packaging Market - The global bio-based packaging market is projected to reach USD 34.4 billion by 2034, expanding from USD 11.82 billion in 2025, at an annual growth rate of 12.60%. Corrugated Automotive Packaging Market - The global corrugated automotive packaging market is projected to reach USD 3.16 billion by 2034, expanding from USD 2.31 billion in 2025. 3D Printed Packaging Market - The global 3D printed packaging market is set to grow from USD 1.67 billion in 2025 to USD 2.71 billion by 2034, with an expected CAGR of 5.53%. Sustainable Films for Packaging Market - The global sustainable films for packaging market is projected to reach USD 392.7 billion by 2034, expanding from USD 191.04 billion in 2025. AI in Sustainable Packaging Market - The global AI in sustainable packaging market is accelerating, with forecasts predicting hundreds of millions in revenue growth between 2025 and 2034. Industrial Packaging Recycling Services Market - The industrial packaging recycling services market is expected to increase from USD 67.76 billion in 2025 to USD 100.65 billion by 2034. Sustainable Plastic Packaging Market - The sustainable plastic packaging market is forecast to grow from USD 111.71 million in 2025 to USD 178.79 million by 2034, driven by a CAGR of 5.43% from 2025 to 2034. Cardboard Sheet Market - The cardboard sheet market is forecast to grow from USD 17.31 billion in 2025 to USD 25.77 billion by 2034, driven by a CAGR of 4.53% from 2025 to 2034. U.S. Sustainable Packaging Market - The U.S. sustainable packaging market is predicted to expand from USD 51.23 billion in 2025 to USD 73.81 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.15%. Biologics Drug Packaging Market - The global biologics drug packaging market is booming, poised for a revenue surge into the hundreds of millions from 2025 to 2034. Regional Analysis Who is the leader in the sustainable e-commerce packaging market? North America dominated the global sustainable e-commerce packaging market by generating the highest revenue share in 2024. The dominance of the segment is attributed to the higher e-commerce penetration in countries like the U.S and Canada. In 2024, e-commerce sales of the United States reached $1.19 trillion, which represents around 16.2% share of all retail sales in the country. The higher consumer awareness is also promoting sustainable investments in the packaging sector. The regulatory bodies in the region are also highly focused on promoting the use of sustainable packaging, which is leading to many rules and policies to eliminate the use of harmful materials. U.S Market Trends The United States stands as the dominant player in the North American e-commerce sales due to the presence of companies like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and other D2C companies, which are adopting sustainable packaging solutions. The higher consumer awareness is also helping the brands to use these packaging solutions as a strategy to improve their brand image in the e-commerce industry. The sustainable e-commerce packaging market is expected to maintain its growth as various states like New York, Oregon, Washington, and others have adopted the EPR framework and bans on existing materials. The universities and startups are expected to attract huge investments in the future. What is the Growth Scope of Asia Pacific in the Sustainable E-Commerce Packaging Market in the Future? Asia Pacific is expected to rise at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. The growth of the region is highly attributed to the massive e-commerce expansion in countries like India, China, Japan, and Indonesia. The middle-class populations in these countries are the largest consumers of online shopping. The governments are also promoting the use of recyclable and compostable materials in packaging by adopting rules and regulations like a ban on single-use plastic. The younger consumer base, especially Gen Z and Millennials, is expected to be the major reason behind the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions in the future. China Market Trends China stands as one of the major countries in the Asian sustainable e-commerce packaging market due to its global dominance in e-commerce sales. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in 2024, the e-commerce market continued its growth, with total online retail sales reaching 15.52 trillion yuan (US$2.16 trillion). The Chinese government is also implementing a plastic ban and promoting material innovation through various funding programs. The leading e-commerce companies in the country, like Alibaba and are focusing on implementing a green logistics program, which uses reusable delivery Outlook Material Type Insights The plastic segment generated the highest revenue share in 2024. Plastic is one of the widely used materials in the packaging industry due to its durability and affordability. These packages are mainly developed by using recyclable and bio-based plastics like LDPE, PLA, PHA, and many more. These materials are widely popular in e-commerce packaging as they meet the sustainability regulatory standards. Additionally, the material is lightweight and durable, which helps companies minimize product damage and reduce shipping costs for the companies. E-commerce Type Insights The B2C segment accounted for the highest revenue share in 2024. The dominance of the segment is attributed to the higher parcel volume shipped daily. This includes many premium and regular goods, which require primary and secondary packaging that enhances the requirement for more sustainable materials. The rise of companies like Amazon, Flipkart is gaining wider popularity for various products like electronics, apparel, cosmetics, and groceries. Application Insights The electronics and appliances segment accounted for the highest revenue share in 2024. The segment includes the shipment and delivery of items like phones, laptops, tablets, blenders, smart home devices, and many more, which require high protective packaging with multilayered and cushioned packaging. These products often use more materials due to the product size and requirements, making them more popular among consumers. Global brands like HP, Apple, Dell, and Samsung have also committed to the adoption of eco-friendly in the Market In May 2025, Ranpak partnered with Thalia to deploy automated sustainable packaging systems across 500 stores and e-commerce operations, helping the reduce the environmental impact. In February 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam, proposed a green e-commerce law to curb rising packaging waste, targeting 800,000 tons of plastic by 2030. Market Key Players The Better Packaging Co. Limited Plastic Suppliers, Inc. Berry Global Smurfit Kappa Group Calvin Klein Stora Enso LimeLoop EcoEnclose Elopak Sustainable E-Commerce Packaging Market Segments By Material Type Metal Paper and paperboard Bioplastics & compostable materials Plastic By E-Commerce Type B2C B2B By Application Fashion and apparel Electronics & appliances Books & stationery Beauty & personal care Food and beverage Pharmaceuticals Others By Region North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Sweden Denmark Norway Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Thailand Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East and Africa (MEA) South Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait Invest in Premium Global Insights @ If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@ About Us Towards Packaging is a leading global consulting firm specializing in providing comprehensive and strategic research solutions. With a highly skilled and experienced consultant team, we offer a wide range of services designed to empower businesses with valuable insights and actionable recommendations. We stay abreast of the latest industry trends and emerging markets to provide our clients with an unrivalled understanding of their respective sectors. We adhere to rigorous research methodologies, combining primary and secondary research to ensure accuracy and reliability. Our data-driven approach and advanced analytics enable us to unearth actionable insights and make informed recommendations. We are committed to delivering excellence in all our endeavours. Our dedication to quality and continuous improvement has earned us the trust and loyalty of clients worldwide. Our Trusted Data Partners: Precedence Research | Statifacts |Towards Automotive | Towards Healthcare | Towards Food and Beverages | Towards Chemical and Materials | Towards Consumer Goods | Towards Dental | Towards EV Solutions | Nova One Advisor | Healthcare Web Wire | Packaging Web Wire | Automotive Web Wire For Latest Update Follow Us: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Producers Must Report Supply Data to CAA by July 31 to Comply with Colorado's Packaging EPR Law
WASHINGTON, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Producers selling packaging, paper products, and food serviceware into Colorado must report supply data to Circular Action Alliance (CAA) by July 31, 2025, to remain in compliance with the state's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law. The reporting requirement is a critical step in the law's implementation and Colorado's transition to a circular, producer-funded recycling system. CAA serves as the designated Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) in Colorado. The new EPR law, enacted under Colorado's Producer Responsibility Act, requires obligated producers to report data on the types and quantities of covered materials they supply into the Colorado market. This data is essential to set the 2026 Colorado Producer Fee Rate Schedule, which will be directly informed by actual producer supply data submitted to CAA by the July 31, 2025 reporting deadline. 'Colorado's new recycling system is driven by producers, and participation of all producers is the foundation for a system that works better for everyone,' said Geoffrey Inch, SVP of Producer Services, Circular Action Alliance. 'With the July 31 deadline fast approaching, we urge all producers to act now and submit their Colorado producer supply reports on time, to comply with the law and ensure an efficient transition into the next phase of Colorado's EPR implementation.' To remain in compliance with Colorado law, producers must submit supply data by the July 31, 2025 reporting deadline. CAA is available to support producers through this process and to help ensure reports are submitted on time and accurately. For information on whether your company qualifies as an obligated producer, guidance materials to support producers in compiling their reports, and access to CAA's Producer Portal, please visit: About Circular Action AllianceCircular Action Alliance (CAA) is a U.S. Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to implementing effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging. As a nonprofit, producer-led organization, CAA is committed to helping producers comply with EPR laws, delivering harmonized best-in-class compliance services and to working with governments, businesses and communities to reduce waste and recycle more. CAA was founded in 2022 and is guided by producers representing the food, beverage, consumer goods, restaurant and retail industries. Media Contact:media@
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Advancing circular solutions for EV battery waste in Asia and the Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region is becoming a showcase for regional solutions. As electric vehicles (EVs) rapidly gain traction, the region must confront a dual challenge: managing the environmental and health risks of end-of-life EV batteries, while actively pursuing the economic and technological opportunities of a circular economy. By strategically combining public policy and private sector innovation, especially among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the region can turn this policy challenge into a blueprint for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Making the shift: the circular economy imperative The transition to EVs isn't merely about cleaner and sustainable transportation and energy transition options; it's a fundamental shift in how we utilize, recover and repurpose resources. The circular economy, built upon the 'R' principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose, Recover), provides a strategic framework to maximize battery material value, minimize waste and sever the link between economic growth and climate action. These principles are essential for sustainable battery waste management. Yet, realizing this ambitious vision extends beyond technology; it hinges on fostering a skilled workforce and cultivating innovative business models. Consequently, education and capacity-building become key drivers. Without a broad understanding of the country specific context and practical implementation of circularity principles, the promise of a truly sustainable ecosystem will not be met by 2025, the Jaipur Declaration on 3R and Circular Economy provided crucial ideas and solutions for transitioning to circularity in end-of-life batteries and vehicles. Integrating policy frameworks: national, regional and global ambitions Addressing EV battery waste demands a collaborative approach; no nation can solve it alone. Governments are crucial in establishing robust regulatory frameworks, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, mandatory recycling targets and eco-design standards. These policies must align with international climate agreements, like those forged at COP29 in Azerbaijan in 2024. Such global discussions underscore both ambitious emissions reduction targets and the critical importance of circular economy principles for achieving net-zero. By legally codifying these requirements and connecting them to transparent reporting and monitoring, governments ensure that localized efforts effectively contribute to broader climate and sustainability goals. Harnessing synergies: circularity, finance, and multi-stakeholder policy dialogue The transition to a circular economy for EV batteries is most effective through synergistic collaboration. At its core, this synergy involves integrating circularity principles, innovative financial mechanisms, and multi-stakeholder engagements. These engagements and dialogues should bring together government agencies, private sector leaders, MSMEs, civil society and academia. Circularity extends beyond just recycling; it's about fundamentally rethinking the entire value chain. National and regional engagements are crucial for facilitating the sharing of best practices, harmonizing standards and coordinating the cross-border flow of recyclable materials. These collaborative regional and national platforms are instrumental in scaling up advanced recycling infrastructure, promoting eco-design and embedding circular economy principles at every stagefrom product design to end-of-life management. Equally vital is financial innovation, which necessitates the integration of digital technology and innovative policies to facilitate widespread investment in digital public goods and infrastructure across various sectors. National governments, often partnering with regional and international development agencies and banks, can play a pivotal role. They can provide grants, concessional loans and investment guarantees to lower barriers for MSMEs and startups entering the battery recycling and repurposing market. By coupling financial support with technical training and capacity-building, these initiatives empower local businesses to drive innovation, create green jobs and strengthen regional supply chains. Leveraging education: empowering MSMEs The ESCAP Sustainable Business Network (ESBN) Position Paper on the circular economy underscores the fundamental role of education in bridging the gap between policy and practice. Comprehensive public awareness campaigns are vital for promoting responsible EV battery disposal and educating communities about the dangers of unsafe informal practices. Equally important is targeted capacity building and technical training for MSMEs, technicians and recyclers, which cultivates the expertise needed to safely handle, process, and innovate with battery waste, ensuring local methods meet international standards. The recent Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development also emphasized the critical need for appropriate incentives, particularly those supporting MSMEs. Looking ahead: the region's blueprint for a low-carbon future The Asia-Pacific region has a transformational opportunity to elevate its knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in circular economy innovation. ESCAP stands ready to support this pivotal shift. This is not just about managing waste. It's about reimagining the value of a circular economy: fostering green job creation, strengthening education and nurturing innovation that serves both people and the planet, a vision underscored in a recent ESCAP policy document. Seamlessly integrating national policies with regional frameworks and global commitments is essential. So is deploying smart development financing instruments, digital tools and cultivating synergistic public-private partnerships. With the right approach, the Asia-Pacific region can transform EV battery waste from a daunting environmental challenge into a powerful engine for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, new employment opportunities and enhanced climate resilience. Anupam Khajuria And Sudip Ranjan Basu (Anupam Khajuria is Research Fellow and Academic Associate, United Nations University - Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), Tokyo, Japan and Sudip Ranjan Basu is Chief of Sustainable Business Network Section, ESCAP) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
EU eyes more cutbacks to environmental laws after industry criticism
iStock In a public consultation opened on Tuesday, the EU's executive European Commission said it was screening environmental laws to identify those where the administrative burden for companies and governments could be reduced. BRUSSELS: The European Union has begun consultations to further simplify environmental policies after cutting back an initial set of sustainability laws earlier this year in response to criticism from move is part of the EU's "simplification" agenda to slash red tape for industries who say that complex bloc-wide legislation means they struggle to compete with rivals in China and the U.S., where President Donald Trump is slashing a public consultation opened on Tuesday, the EU's executive European Commission said it was screening environmental laws to identify those where the administrative burden for companies and governments could be reduced. "The goal is not to lower the EU's environmental objectives or the protection of human health granted by EU environmental laws, but to attain them more effectively without causing avoidable costs," the consultation's text said. EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said on Wednesday the aim was to "simplify environmental legislation without compromising our high environmental standards". However, other EU proposals to streamline laws have so far included substantially reducing the number of companies covered by sustainability rules, and diluting requirements for companies to check their supply chains for and some businesses and investors have criticised these plans, accusing Brussels of gutting laws which help manage risks from climate change and drive capital to the green EU ombudsman is investigating a complaint by campaigners who accused the EU executive of weakening sustainability policies without first consulting the Commission has not yet decided which further environmental laws to simplify. EU environment policies cover many issues ranging from waste management to water quality and industrial pollution."Extended Producer Responsibility" schemes are among those being considered - although some governments want other policies cut back, including the EU's anti-deforestation law, two EU officials told schemes make companies responsible for how their products are eventually recycled or disposed of. They have been criticised by businesses who say the EU rules overlap with some national schemes, saddling companies with doubled-up regulation. The European Commission will draft any proposals to simplify laws after the public consultation closes on September 10.
