Tamil Nadu stands at the forefront of plastic manufacturing and consumption among South Indian states. The state consumes over 9 lakh tonnes of plastic annually, generating approximately ₹18,000 crore in revenue from plastic-related businesses. This robust industry comprises more than 8,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing direct and indirect employment to over 10 lakh individuals.
In the fiscal year 2022-23, Tamil Nadu generated 7.82 lakh tonnes of plastic waste, marking a significant increase from previous years. This figure is nearly 50% higher than that of Delhi, which produced 4.03 lakh tonnes in the same period. The state’s plastic waste generation has been on an upward trajectory since the 2018-19 fiscal year.
The extensive plastic manufacturing sector in Tamil Nadu caters to various industries, including packaging, automotive, and consumer goods. The state’s strategic location near major ports like Chennai and Ennore facilitates efficient export operations, enhancing its appeal to international manufacturers. Additionally, Tamil Nadu boasts a well-developed industrial infrastructure, featuring several industrial parks and special economic zones (SEZs), which provide manufacturers with benefits such as expedited approvals and tax concessions.
Despite the economic benefits, the environmental impact of plastic waste has prompted the Tamil Nadu government to implement measures aimed at reducing plastic usage. Notably, the state enforced a ban on 14 types of single-use and disposable plastic items starting January 1, 2019. This initiative was further reinforced under the ‘People’s Campaign Against Throw Away Plastics’ launched on September 3, 2021.
