The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with the Gujarat government, has opened the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar. The four-day forum, running from 15 to 18 September, brings together over 3,600 participants from 62 countries to discuss circular economy practices. The event is themed around transitioning to a circular economy that benefits both people and prosperity.
What the forum covers
The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 features 135 exhibitors from India and abroad showcasing circular solutions. The inaugural session released two publications: one on best practices for reusing treated sewage, and another detailing India’s circular economy initiatives and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav outlined India’s progress on circular practices. As of August 2026, over 83,000 producers and 4,802 recyclers have registered under various EPR schemes. These frameworks have processed nearly 482.24 lakh metric tonnes of waste across regulated waste streams.
The Minister emphasised that India views circularity as rooted in tradition—the practice of repairing before replacing, reusing before discarding, and recovering before wasting. He highlighted Mission LiFE, India’s lifestyle-focused environmental programme, as a foundation for building a global circular economy. The forum also discussed India’s international work through initiatives like the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition during India’s G20 Presidency.
What this means for you
The forum signals India’s push to embed circular practices into everyday consumption and business. Producers and recyclers operating under EPR rules will see continued focus on waste management standards. Citizens are being encouraged to adopt circular habits at home—fixing products rather than replacing them, and choosing reuse over disposal. Companies across sectors will face growing pressure to design products that generate less waste and retain value longer.