USED BEVERAGE CARTONS MANAGEMENT STUDY 2025

Assessing the Recycling Landscape of Used Beverage Cartons (UBCs) in India

Used Beverage Cartons (UBCs) represent a vital sustainable packaging solution, playing a key role in food preservation and the advancement of circular economy goals. Composed primarily of paperboard, polymers, and aluminum, UBCs are fully recyclable and are increasingly recovered through both formal and informal waste management systems across India.

The Study: Scope and Methodology

To better understand the lifecycle of these materials, TERI, supported by Tetra Pak India, conducted a comprehensive study to assess the management and recycling of UBCs across selected Indian cities.

The research utilized value chain analysis to estimate recycling rates and covered 24 cities through a combination of field surveys and secondary research. Stakeholders across the entire ecosystem, including waste collectors, scrap dealers, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), landfill operators, and specialized recyclers, were engaged to map UBC flows and quantify recovery efficiency.

Key Findings: A Decade of Progress

The study revealed a significant upward trajectory in India’s recycling capabilities:

• Recycling Rates: Across the 24 surveyed cities, the recycling rate has risen to 63.66 per cent
• National Impact: The national recycling average is estimated at 48 per cent, more than doubling since 2011.
• Growth Drivers: This progress is attributed to improved collection infrastructure, strategic industry investments, and heightened public awareness.
• Ultimately, the report serves as a data-driven roadmap to accelerate India’s transition toward a more inclusive, efficient, and circular recycling economy.

Strategic Recommendations

To further strengthen the UBC recycling ecosystem, TERI recommends the following actions:

• Market Expansion: Promote innovation in developing high-value products from recycled cartons to expand end-use markets.
• Economic Support: Enhance economic incentives to strengthen and formalize the waste dealer network.
• Technological Upgrades: Upgrade paper mill capacities and adopt advanced technologies specifically designed for processing multi-layered packaging (MLP).
• Collection Efficiency: Encourage source-level segregation and launch targeted awareness campaigns to minimize feedstock contamination.
• Policy Reinforcement: Strengthen the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to drive sustained industry investment and accountability.