India’s copper demand is expected to rise to about 3.2 million tonne by 2030 from about 1.9 million tonne with scrap already meeting nearly 38 per cent of current copper demand, underscoring the growing role of secondary metals.The recycled plastics market is projected to grow from $6.57 billion in 2026 to $11.71 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 8.6 per cent, supported by growing demand from the packaging and automotive sectors, improved waste collection and technology adoption. Meanwhile, the metal scrap, e-waste and battery recycling sector, valued at over $14 billion, is evolving towards more organised and technology-driven operations.Shilpashree Muniswamappa, Director - Communications & Sustainability, Colgate-Palmolive India said the entire Colgate toothpaste tubes manufactured in India are recyclable, marking an important step towards greater circularity.With about 60 per cent of the company’s electricity currently sourced from renewables with the goal of reaching 100 per cent by 2030, she said at the Plastics Recycling Show India and Bharat Recycling Show 2026 in Mumbai on Tuesday.The expo witnessed had over 150 exhibitors and 250 brands participating across the three-day event organised by Media Fusion & Crain Communications.Shailendra Singh, Director General, Association of Plastic Recyclers, Bharat said the plastic recycling ecosystem has undergone a significant transformation supported by stronger regulations even as collection, source segregation and the integration of the informal sector into the formal recycling economy remain critical challenge, he said.Suyog Keluskar, Senior Director, IGS, 1Lattice said battery recycling is emerging as the fastest-growing segment, driven by EV adoption and critical-mineral demand, with India currently importing around $2.5 billion worth of lithium and cobalt annually.The ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission, with 58 companies approved and around 850,000 tonne of annual capacity pledged, signals the scale of this opportunity, he said.Taher Patrawala, Managing Director, Media Fusion said the country’s recycling ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by regulatory reforms, circular economy initiatives and rising demand for secondary raw materials.“Our objective is to catalyze India’s transition from a linear waste management model to a high-value, technology-driven circular economy,” he said.Published on September 1, 2026