EPR for Paper, Glass and Packaging: What is Coming from April 2026

Until now, India's EPR framework covered mainly plastic packaging, e-waste, batteries and hazardous waste. From April 1, 2026, the scope expands significantly. The Extended Producer Responsibility Rules 2024 bring paper packaging, glass packaging, sanitary products and metal packaging under mandatory EPR for the first time.

What is changing?

The EPR Rules 2024 extend producer responsibility to new waste streams. If your business uses any of the following in packaging, you will need to register with CPCB and meet recycling targets from April 2026:

• Paper and cardboard packaging
• Glass packaging (bottles, containers, jars)
• Metal packaging (tins, cans, aluminium foil packaging)
• Sanitary products packaging

How will compliance work?

The compliance mechanism will mirror what already exists for plastic — producers register on a CPCB portal, set annual recycling targets, engage registered recyclers and refurbishers to process waste, collect EPR certificates from them, and file annual returns. Environmental compensation applies for non-compliance.

What should businesses do now?

If you use paper, glass or metal packaging and do not currently have an EPR registration, April 2026 is your deadline. The practical steps are:

• Identify which waste streams from your packaging fall under the new rules
• Identify and empanel CPCB-registered recyclers for those waste streams
• Set up a system to track packaging waste generated and recycled
• Register on the CPCB EPR portal once it is operational for these new streams

Why this matters for the waste recycling industry

This expansion creates new demand for registered recyclers handling paper, glass and metal. Recyclers who are registered and active before April 2026 will be well-positioned to supply EPR certificates to brands that suddenly need them. If you run a recycling business in any of these material categories, now is the time to get CPCB-registered and onto platforms like The Scrap Bridge where brands can find you.

The bigger picture

India's EPR framework is being built piece by piece — e-waste in 2016, plastic packaging in 2022, batteries in 2022, non-ferrous metals in 2025, and now paper/glass/metal packaging in 2024 (effective 2026). The direction is clear: eventually, every significant waste stream will require documented, certified recycling. Building compliant waste trade relationships now, before mandates kick in, puts both brands and recyclers in a stronger position.

Official resource: CPCB Website | US Trade: India Recycling Opportunities