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Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Travel, hospitality lead India's shift to recycled packaging
India's decision to allow recycled plastic in food-grade applications, announced on World Environment Day 2025, marks a major development in the country's fight against plastic pollution. This policy change not only signals government support for a circular economy but also places increased responsibility on the travel, hospitality, and food service industries to adopt sustainable practices. By permitting recycled plastic in food-grade settings, the Government of India has responded to long-standing calls from environmental experts and industry leaders. The decision allows plastic materials—when collected, processed, and certified correctly—to be reused in packaging and food service, reducing dependency on virgin plastic. The move supports a larger national goal: transitioning from a linear to a circular economy. While the policy sets a new standard, the real test lies in implementation. Infrastructure for collection and recycling, clear labelling, and strict quality assurance will be essential to ensure public health and environmental safety are not compromised. The tourism industry is now under heightened scrutiny. Hotels, resorts, and airlines are increasingly expected to provide plastic-free options as standard, not luxury. Already, many businesses have introduced alternatives such as compostable trays, refillable toiletry stations, and reusable water bottles. Companies like HungerBox, which supplies meals to major Indian workplaces, are setting examples by removing single-use plastics across their services. Their operational model prioritises sustainable packaging, eco-certified vendors, and digital tools that reduce waste across food service environments. In large-scale catering operations common in hospitality and travel, such systemic changes can significantly reduce plastic footprints. Investment firms focused on sustainability, including Green Frontier Capital, have welcomed the policy change as a signal to scale up funding for waste-tech and eco-packaging startups. Their strategy reflects a growing belief that financial backing must support not just growth but environmental recovery. Consumer behaviour is also shifting. A recent global survey by found that 76% of travellers prefer accommodations with strong sustainability practices, while nearly 70% are more likely to book with businesses that avoid single-use plastics. This trend places pressure on operators across the travel chain—from airports and hotels to tour companies and in-flight services—to overhaul their packaging systems. The policy change marks progress, but experts caution that widespread impact will depend on consistent enforcement, supply chain transparency, and public education. Clear certification standards, proper sorting and recycling systems, and mass awareness campaigns will be necessary to build trust and prevent greenwashing. Tourism and hospitality organisations will need to collaborate on benchmarks and best practices. Suppliers and service providers must align around common goals for material reuse and waste reduction. India's plastic policy shift offers a rare moment of clarity for the industry: adapt now, or risk falling behind in an economy where environmental accountability is no longer optional. "Travel, hospitality lead India's shift to recycled packaging" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error 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
Entrepreneur
05-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
From Policy to Action: Why Recycled Plastic and Climate VC Must Drive India's Green Future
India's climate finance needs are estimated at USD 10 trillion by 2070 to meet its net-zero commitment, according to a report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). However, current public and private climate finance flows are just USD 44 billion annually (2022), far short of what's required. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. India's climate finance needs are estimated at USD 10 trillion by 2070 to meet its net-zero commitment, according to a report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). However, current public and private climate finance flows are just USD 44 billion annually (2022), far short of what's required. While domestic efforts such as the Sustainable Finance Task Force and green bond issuances have begun to accelerate, climate venture capital still has some ground to cover. Funds like Green Frontier Capital, which invest in early-stage climate-tech startups, are attempting to plug this gap by supporting scalable innovations in bio-based packaging, agri-waste valorization, and low-emission mobility. Karan Mehta, Venture Principal, Green Frontier Capital, said that we stand at an important moment in the global effort to combat plastic pollution. The Government of India's decision to permit the use of recycled plastic in food-grade applications marks a significant step forward. "This policy highlights that circular economy solutions are not only possible but are now officially acknowledged. While this is a positive development, we must remember that changing policies alone cannot undo the effects of years of overconsumption. The challenges posed by single-use plastics continue to impact our ecosystems and our daily lives. However, we have the power to drive meaningful change through our individual actions," said Mehta. India generates about 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Only about 60 per cent of this is collected, and much less is effectively recycled. Santosh Kumar Singh, Managing Director-Climate and Energy, Intellecap said we are no longer caretakers of a fragile planet, we are its emergency response team. "Climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion are no longer distant warnings; they are our daily headlines. We urgently need to identify the climate initiatives that hold promise, amplify the ones making quiet progress, and bring the right partners to the table. What we need now is catalytic, risk-tolerant capital and bold innovations that challenge the status quo," said Singh. Mehta added that every Indian can take a proactive step by committing to eliminate single-use plastics from their everyday routines. Simple actions, such as refusing plastic bags, choosing reusable bottles, or encouraging brands to adopt sustainable practices, can collectively make a difference. CPCB and NITI Aayog have both identified urban local bodies and consumer behavior as critical bottlenecks. Programs like Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 are attempting to address these with capacity-building grants for decentralized waste processing. "This initiative goes beyond waste management; it is about ensuring a healthier future for our children and our planet. This is a reminder that there is no Planet B.. Let this year be one where we transform our promises into actions and embrace responsibility. Together, we can make a significant impact, let's act now, with determination and unity," said Mehta.
