A study finds recycling rates have risen sharply over 15 years, driven by infrastructure investment and expanded collection networks

India has recorded a substantial rise in recycling of used beverage cartons, with rates more than doubling over the past decade, according to the sixth edition of the Used Beverage Carton Management Study released by The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri) and commissioned by Tetra Pak. The latest findings were presented at a conference themed “Closing the Loop: Advancing Carton Recycling for a Circular Economy” in New Delhi.

The study shows recycling of post-consumer cartons increased from 29 per cent in 2011 to 63.66 per cent in 2025 across 24 surveyed cities, which extrapolates to a national rate of 48 per cent. In comparison, the previous study published in 2022 reported a 62 per cent rate across 22 cities, equating to 45 per cent nationally. Teri said the current results indicate continued momentum in recycling, even as consumption has risen, and estimates that one in every two cartons in India is now being recycled.

Cities such as Lucknow, Pune and Bengaluru recorded very high recycling rates, supported by collection centres and active recycler networks. The study noted a rise in the volume of cartons recycled in a pure stream due to strengthened dedicated collection and recycling systems. A growing network of material recovery facilities, substations and waste dealers has contributed to improved outcomes.

Teri recommended further measures to expand recycling, including innovation to create new products from recycled cartons, strengthening dealer networks through incentives, enhancing paper mill capacity, improving source-level segregation and strengthening the Extended Producer Responsibility policy framework.