Tejveer Singh, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt. of India urged the industry to abandon fragmented approaches at the 3rd Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS) held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Singh emphasized that aligning with unified global frameworks, such as the UN Global Plastics Treaty, is urgently needed to establish consistent, binding waste management standards.

He said the UN treaty on plastics aims to create unified, binding approaches to production, usage, and waste management. Singh also leveraged that we must also learn from global best practices and try to incorporate good technological practices for plastic waste management.

Singh emphasized that the plastics industry must champion a circular economy. He urged stakeholders to elevate plastic recycling into a modern, high-value, and technology-driven sector, shifting away from its stigma as a "dirty" industry

Praising the industry's shift toward biodegradable packaging, the Secretary urged plastic manufacturers and their R&D teams to tackle the root problem of plastic litter. He specifically highlighted the challenge posed by small-format packaging, which is difficult for waste collectors to gather and recycle.

He also exhorted for greater collaboration of industry and academia and assured help to catalyse this from the Department. Enumerating role of waste collector as a significant stakeholder, Singh appealed to recognize the contribution of informal waste collectors who play a vital role in keeping our environment clean. The secretary said as the economy evolves, we must integrate and formalize this workforce into the larger ecosystem.

The conclave is being jointly organized by the All India Plastics Manufacturers' Association (AIPMA) and the Chemicals & Petrochemicals Manufacturers Association (CPMA) with the support of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The event is also supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). 

At the Conclave more than 400 exhibitors representing the latest advancements in plastic recycling technologies, machinery, sustainable materials, and waste management solutions are taking part. The Indian recycled plastics market is projected to reach US$ 3.81 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.95 per cent during 2024–2032. Globally, the waste plastic recycling market is expected to reach US$80.5 billion by 2033, underlining the increasing importance of sustainable recycling technologies and circular business models.