In the lead-up to Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025 — India’s largest gathering focused on recycling and sustainability — industry veterans gathered in Mumbai to call for targeted policy reforms, integration of informal sectors, and adoption of new technologies to drive India’s transition to a circular economy.
Held alongside the Plastics Recycling Show India (PRSI), the BRS 2025 is scheduled from November 13 to 15 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, featuring 150+ exhibitors and expecting over 8,000 visitors from more than 10 countries. The event is jointly organized by Media Fusion and Crain Communications. Ahead of the exhibition, a panel discussion on “Unlocking Circular Value: Regulatory and Market Trends in Recycling” brought together top names in the sector to examine existing challenges and outline a roadmap for sustainable growth.
Panelist Gurashish Sahni, Co-Founder & COO of ReCircle, pointed out that while India has adopted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks modeled after European standards, they remain disconnected from India’s ground realities. “The informal sector plays a central role in India’s recycling chain, yet it remains outside the formal system,” he said. Mr Sahni also flagged the 18% GST on recycled inputs like PET bottles as a major deterrent, arguing for lower or zero tax rates to make circular practices commercially viable.
Taher Patrawala, Managing Director of Media Fusion, emphasized that resolving issues like high taxation and fragmented regulations is essential. “That’s why platforms like BRS and PRSI are not just exhibitions — they’re arenas for policy discussion and industry alignment,” he noted.
Sandeep Vakharia, Secretary of the Bombay Non-Ferrous Metal Association (BNMA), emphasized that metals like copper are essential to India’s clean energy ambitions. He noted that while India’s official GDP stands at $4.3 trillion, inclusion of unregulated sectors like informal recycling could push it beyond $5 trillion. “India has always practiced circularity in metals — nothing valuable ever goes to waste here. But the informal sector must be brought into the fold and supported through education on ESG compliance,” he said.
Anuj Maheshwari, Co-Founder of Trace Resource, addressed the fragmentation across policies on e-waste, plastics, construction debris, and batteries. “We’re seeing rapid regulation rollouts, but many are directly imported from Europe without tailoring to Indian conditions,” he said. Mr Maheshwari stressed the importance of recognizing genuine recyclers and enforcing compliance to eliminate commercial disadvantages for law-abiding businesses.
Representing the Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES) under AIILSG, Ajit Salvi pointed to success stories from municipal initiatives. “Cities like Indore and Surat have implemented multi-category segregation that is directly linked to improved recycling outcomes,” he stated. He also highlighted the gap in liquid waste recycling, saying that although national guidelines recommend at least 20% reuse of treated water, public hesitation remains a barrier. “With rising water stress due to climate change and population growth, reuse is not optional — it’s essential.”
The joint exhibitions will serve as a major platform for innovation, business exchange, and policy dialogue. From plastics and metals to e-waste and water management, the shows aim to foster a collaborative approach to building a truly circular economy in India.
