CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: India has made significant strides in recycling used beverage cartons, with rates more than doubling over the past decade, according to the sixth edition of the Used Beverage Carton (UBC) Management Study released by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Commissioned by Tetra Pak, the study tracks over 15 years of progress across the surveyed cities, offering a comprehensive view of India’s journey towards circularity.
Recycling of post-consumer cartons has seen a significant rise, with the latest study showing an increase from 29% in 2011 to 63.66% in 2025 across 24 surveyed cities. When extrapolated to a national level, this translates to a 48% recycling rate for India. This progress is largely attributed to sustained efforts by Tetra Pak and the broader industry – ranging from investments in collection infrastructure and partnerships with recyclers to widespread consumer awareness campaigns.
In comparison, the previous study published 2022 reported a 62% recycling rate across 22 cities, which extrapolated to 45% nationally. The current findings reflect continued momentum, even in the face of rising consumption. When extrapolated nationally, the study estimates that one in every two cartons in India is now being recycled, marking a major milestone in waste management.
The highlights of the study were presented by Dr. Suneel Pandey, Director, Circular Economy and Waste Management Division, TERI. Key insights from the study include:
Recycling rates have increased to 63.66% in 2025 across 24 surveyed cities
Cities like Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru show very high recycling rates, supported by robust collection centres and active recycler networks.
The volume of cartons recycled in a pure stream has increased over time, thanks to strengthened dedicated collection and recycling systems.
A growing network of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), substations, and waste dealers is contributing to improved collection and recycling outcomes.
Cassio Simoes, Managing Director, Tetra Pak South Asia, added, “These findings reaffirm that long-term partnerships and consistent investment can deliver real environmental impact. While it’s encouraging that nearly half of all cartons are now recycled, our ambition is to go further – to ensure every carton finds its way to a recycler. Together with our partners, we remain committed to advancing circularity and strengthening the recycling value chain across India.”
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