India: Copper products to contain 20% recycled content by 2031

The Indian government has presented a new roadmap to reduce the country’s dependence on primary resources and reduce the environmental impact of mining.

By 2028, new products made from non-ferrous metals will have to contain a minimum of 5% recycled content.

Indian media report this requirement will progressively increase, reaching 10% in 2029. By 2031, products made of aluminium will have to have 10% recycled content, while for copper the target is 20% and 25% for zinc.

EPR scheme

The new regulations not only require non-ferrous metal producers to recycle a specified percentage of their products but also introduce an extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme