India Should Adopt National Bio-Plastics Policy, Report Recommends

A report by EY and ASSOCHAM has urged India to implement a National Bio-Plastics Policy with fiscal incentives and regulatory support to boost the bio-plastics sector. Titled *Incentivising Bioplastics, a Biopolymer*, the report outlines a strategic vision to establish India as a global leader in bio-plastics production. Key recommendations include offering capital subsidies of up to 50% over five years for eligible investments, alongside regulatory changes such as mandating the use of bio-plastics and introducing Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to ensure product standards. The report also suggests import restrictions to protect domestic manufacturers and advocates for government support in research and development. It calls for the creation of "bioplastics clusters" to drive innovation and foster industry-academic partnerships. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and composting initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission are recommended to promote the widespread use of bio-plastics and support waste segregation efforts. The proposed policy aligns with India's broader sustainability goals under the BioE3 policy, which targets bio-manufacturing, circular economy, and net-zero emissions.