IBA Secretary General Dr. Gunveena Chadha said the Declaration's recognition of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), eco-design and sustainable public procurement as national policy instruments reflects a direction that India's beverage industry has already embraced.
“The Declaration's recognition of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), eco-design, and sustainable public procurement as national policy instruments reflects a direction the beverage industry in India has already embraced,” Dr. Chadha said.
She added that IBA members have made significant investments in packaging redesign, lightweighting, and PET collection and recycling systems. According to Dr. Chadha, the Declaration provides strong endorsement for the industry's continued efforts in these areas.
Dr. Chadha noted that India's beverage industry has been an early adopter of EPR frameworks under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's Plastic Waste Management Rules. Member companies have been actively partnering with waste collection agencies, urban local bodies and recycling enterprises across the country to support these initiatives.
The Association said the Declaration's call for stronger monitoring mechanisms and investment in recovery infrastructure aligns closely with ongoing industry efforts to develop robust, traceable and verifiable circularity systems nationwide.
The IBA also welcomed the proposed Network of BRICS Institutions to Advance Knowledge Sharing, Research and Innovation in Sustainable Lifestyles, describing it as a valuable platform for cross-border collaboration on packaging innovation, alternative materials and recycling technologies.
“Learning from and contributing to a shared knowledge base among BRICS nations can accelerate the pace of innovation far more effectively than any single country acting alone,” Dr. Chadha added.
The Association further expressed support for the possibility of a BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week in 2026, highlighting its potential to raise consumer awareness of responsible consumption and disposal practices.
Reiterating its commitment to strengthening India's integrated waste management ecosystem, the IBA said it would continue working closely with policymakers, implementing authorities and recycling partners. The Association also reaffirmed its support for national priorities on circularity as India continues to scale its manufacturing and consumption base.
“As an industry, we recognise that sustainable growth is only possible through shared responsibility — between producers, consumers, and governments,” the IBA Secretary General said.
The Indian Beverage Association represents leading non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers operating in India and works collaboratively on sustainability, public health and industry standards.
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