Nearly 100 nations back the “Nice Wake-Up Call” to cut plastic production — not just manage waste
India declined to join, citing economic concerns. Its $44-bn plastic sector supports 4 million jobs
India generates 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste yearly. 3.5 million tonnes leaks into nature
Despite laws, poor infrastructure and informal recycling limit progress
New rule mandates 30% recycled content, but supply is lacking. Firms may seek legal delay
India must phase down production with clear timelines — or risk a public-health emergency