India’s circular economy is expected to create over $2 trillion in market value and generate nearly 10 million jobs by 2050, as stated by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav. During his address at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, he highlighted that this shift towards a circular economy marks a significant change from the traditional “take, make, waste” approach to a more sustainable system focused on reuse and recycling. Additionally, India has shown interest in hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in 2026. Several important initiatives, memorandums of understanding, and reports have been introduced to advance sustainable waste management and urban circular economy practices.
Key Highlights
India’s Circular Economy Potential
- Could generate $2 trillion+ in market value.
- Expected to create 10 million jobs by 2050.
- Aims to replace traditional wasteful production with a sustainable economic model.
- Estimated $4.5 trillion global economic output by 2030.
India’s Bid for World Circular Economy Forum 2026
- India has applied to host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026.
- WCEF 2025 is scheduled to be held in São Paulo, Brazil.
