ANNOUNCEMENTS
The rapid proliferation of packaging waste, particularly plastic-based materials, poses a formidable challenge to environmental sustainability and international trade. In response, regulatory frameworks around the world have increasingly embraced sustainability mandates, with a focus on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), eco-design, and recyclability standards. However, stark disparities exist between jurisdictions in terms of regulatory maturity, industry compliance mechanisms, and export-readiness. This study conducts a comparative analysis of packaging sustainability regulations across India, the European Union (EU), and the United States (USA), with a particular emphasis on trade implications and industry adoption of certifications and design innovations.
Through qualitative comparative analysis of key legal instruments—including India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, amended 2022), the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (2025/40), and state-level initiatives in the USA—this study identifies both convergence and divergence in policy design and enforcement. Supplementing document review with field interviews of sustainability managers from the packaging sector, the study captures first-hand insights into operational compliance, certification uptake, and eco-design adoption. Findings indicate that while the EU enforces the most harmonized and binding framework—anchored by mandatory recyclability, substance restrictions, and producer financing—India’s regulatory ecosystem is still evolving, with enforcement gaps and limited SME capacity. The USA, lacking a federal packaging law, relies heavily on subnational initiatives and voluntary compliance.
Stakeholder interviews reveal that Indian firms face challenges in accessing recyclable raw materials, absorbing high compliance costs, and navigating foreign trade requirements. However, many are proactively adopting environmental certifications such as ISO 14001, FSC, and BRCGS to access EU and US markets. The study underscores the importance of regulatory alignment, targeted financial and technical support for SMEs, and harmonized EPR frameworks to enable smoother trade and transition toward a circular packaging economy.
Ultimately, the research offers policy and managerial recommendations to bridge regulatory gaps, support industry adaptation, and enhance India’s export competitiveness in the evolving global packaging landscape. It addresses a critical literature gap by evaluating cross-jurisdictional policy effectiveness and providing grounded insights into compliance dynamics across leading economies.
