In response to the growing environmental concerns and the imperative to effectively manage plastic waste, the Government of India has enacted the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These regulations mandate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers, importers and brand owners (PIBOs) to guarantee environmentally sound management of plastic packaging. An important component of these regulations is labelling requirements, which aim to increase transparency, facilitate recycling, and encourage accountability in the plastic packaging sector.

According to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, by July 1, 2025, plastic packaging must be clearly labelled with necessary details about its origin, material and recyclability. The labelling requirement is part of a bigger framework under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines, which locates the responsibility for waste management on producers, importers and brand owners (PIBOs). These provisions confirm that consumers are well-versed and that waste management systems can efficiently locate and recycle plastic materials.

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Mandatory Labelling Requirements for Plastic Packaging (Effective until 30 June 2025)

Under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, until 30 June 2025, these labelling requirements are intended to provide consumers and waste management units with necessary information to facilitate appropriate disposal and recycling practices. The following information must be clearly printed on each plastic packaging.

• Name of the Importer/Brand Owner: The entity accountable for placing the product in the market.
• EPR Registration Certificate Number: A unique identifier issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) after successful registration.
• Thickness of Flexible Plastic Packaging: It is applicable to plastic sachets, pouches, covers, and carry bags.
• Material Composition: Specify the type of plastic used, such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene), PS (Polystyrene), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), or others.
• For Recycled Plastic Packaging: Mention ‘Recycled by specifying the percentage of recycled plastic along with the recycling mark, in compliance to IS 14534:2023.
• For Compostable Plastic Packaging: Mention ‘Compostable only under industrial composting’ and adhere with IS/ISO 17088:2021.
• For Biodegradable Plastic Packaging: Mention ‘Biodegradable in specific number of days and only in specify recipient environment, e.g., soil, landfill, water, etc."

Revised Labelling Provisions for Plastic Packaging (Effective from 1 July 2025) 

Effective from 1 July 2025, producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) will be required to label plastic packaging in one of the following ways:

• Barcode or Quick Response (QR) Code: Printed on plastic packaging, allowing consumers to scan and get detailed information.
• Product Information Brochure: A brochure containing the detailed information about the packaging material of the product. 
• Unique Number Displayed On-Pack: A unique identifier issued under any applicable law, which will also need to be printed on the packaging, confirming that the information is verifiable and visible.

Also Read: Obligation for use of recycled plastic content under CPCB EPR Plastic and Plastic waste management (PWM) guidelines

The Purpose and Impact of the Revised Labelling Requirements

The amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules aim to:

• Enhance Traceability: By incorporating technology such as QR codes and barcodes, the new labelling system will make it easier to trace the origin of plastic packaging. This transparency will let waste management systems to classify which packaging can be recycled or which requires special treatment.
• Promote Consumer Awareness: Through product information brochures and clear labelling, consumers will be more informed about the packaging materials used. This will inspire more sustainable consumption patterns and allow consumers to make environmentally conscious choices.
• Strengthen Accountability: Producers and brand owners will now be more responsible for their plastic waste, as they will be required to report their packaging to the CPCB and ensure proper recycling.
• Support Recycling and Waste Management: Clear labelling and traceability systems will enable better sorting, collection and recycling of plastic waste, making the waste management process more effective.

Conclusion

The amendment to the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2025) is an important step towards reducing plastic waste and improving the sustainability of plastic packaging in India. By authorizing new labelling requirements and incorporating advanced technologies such as QR codes and barcodes, the government is ensuring greater transparency, traceability and responsibility in plastic packaging. These modifications will not only help improve waste management systems but also inspire producers and consumers to adopt more accountable and sustainable practices. As we move towards a more sustainable future, these revised labelling provisions under the CPCB’s Expanded Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines will play a vital role in confronting plastic waste and guarding the environment for the future.