Sunita Mohanty, Senior Advisor, Primus Partners, states that the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026 mark a significant step towards advancing India's circular plastics economy by introducing mandatory recycled-content obligations and recognising chemical recycling as a legitimate recycling pathway. However, unlocking the full potential of these reforms will require polymer-specific recycled-content targets, science-based standards for chemical recycling, clear regulatory pathways for food-contact recycled plastics and robust verification mechanisms. Strengthening these aspects will improve recyclability, reduce material contamination and enable the development of a more efficient, globally competitive and truly circular plastics ecosystem in India.