Mumbai hosts major plastics recycling showcase with global participation

More than 150 exhibitors and around 10,000 visitors gathered in Mumbai for the Plastics Recycling Show (PRS) India, where companies and policymakers showcased new recycling technologies and discussed India’s shift towards a circular economy.

The three-day event, held from November 13–15 at the Bombay Exhibition Center, was co-located with the inaugural Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025 and organised by Media Fusion and Crain Communications.

The platform brought together recyclers, manufacturers, policymakers and investors to examine policy developments and emerging trends in the sector.

Siddhesh Kadam, Chairman of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, said Maharashtra was the first state to implement a ban on single-use plastics.

“Recycling represents the future and forms the foundation of a truly circular economy,” he said, noting visible climate impacts such as shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures. He said initiatives like PRS encouraged innovation by “turning waste into a valuable resource”.

Sanjay Mehta, President of the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), called for a stronger, data-driven approach to recycling, particularly plastics. He said MRAI had been working with the central government for 15 years on policy making and advocacy.

Eco Recycling Chairman and Managing Director B K Soni said the biggest challenge for the industry was the availability of raw materials.

“While the business is inherently viable, profitable, and sustainable, its growth depends on consistent material supply, effective policy implementation, and regulatory clarity,” he said.

Soni said only about five per cent of India’s e-waste is recycled, backed by an estimated Rs 2,500 crore of investment, and added that achieving full-scale recycling would require investments of close to Rs 50,000 crore.

Taher Patrawala, Managing Director of Media Fusion, said the Bharat Recycling Show reinforced the organisers’ commitment to supporting dialogue and innovation in the sector.

He said India’s recycling capacity had crossed 2,447 plants as of 2024, supported by urban infrastructure investments and public-private partnerships.

Ajit Salvi, Director of the Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES), AIILSG Mumbai, said the recycling sector would play a key role in India’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.

He said the second edition of the PRS Show “may be modest” but reflected “strong ambitions and optimism for the future”.

(With inputs from agencies)