IJEP 45(6): 563-572 : Vol. 45 Issue. 6 (June 2025)
1. U.P. State Institute of Forensic Sciences (UPSIFS), Lucknow – 226 401, Uttar Pradesh, India
2. Samrat Vikramaditya Government Law College, Ujjain – 456 664, Madhya Pradesh, India
Abstract
Our world is increasingly cluttered with plastic waste that’s not being recycled and it’s a problem we can’t ignore. In India alone, a staggering 3.6 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced every year, with a significant amount of it clogging-up our landfills. But this issue isn’t unique to India – it’s a global crisis. In this study, we delve into the concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and its potential to drive sustainability and address the issues of packaging and disposable plastics. We examine how EPR operates within an economic framework, outlining its principles and the value it can bring. The paper begins by examining the plastic predicament, highlighting the overuse of plastic packaging and its harmful effects on our planet. We then examine the legislative and policy measures being implemented to reduce plastic use and promote a circular economy where materials are reused rather than discarded. We then consider the role that businesses and public awareness play in promoting eco-friendly habits. This includes a look at how companies are stepping-up and how consumer behaviour is shifting. The study also addresses the hurdles we face, ranging from social to strategic issues and explores how we might overcome them. The paper concludes with a forward-looking view of the future of these practices and envisions a world free from the grip of plastic. In essence, this paper serves as a roadmap for all stakeholders interested in driving change and taking proactive steps towards responsible plastic waste management.
Keywords
Extended producer responsibility, Circular economy, Plastic packaging, Single-use plastics, Sustainability
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