As part of World Environment Day 2025, Huhtamaki India participated in a high-level roundtable hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the UN House in New Delhi. The session focused on pollution control and sustainable development, bringing together voices from government, industry, civil society, and academia to explore actionable solutions to end plastic pollution--this year's global theme.

Ruturaj Kamthekar, our Vice President, Strategic Business Development, Marketing & Product Sustainability, Flexible Packaging, represented Huhtamaki at the discussion, which was moderated by UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Ms. Dia Mirza and attended by dignitaries including Mr. Amitabh Kant (India's G20 Sherpa), Mr. Shombi Sharp (UN Resident Coordinator, India) & Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati (Head, UNEP India).

Speaking at the session, Ruturaj spoke about the role of flexible packaging in driving access and affordability of FMCG products and hence as an enabler of economy, especially in developing markets. He also called for faster adoption of circular solutions that are already available today.

"We've made meaningful investments in developing recyclable flexible packaging. What we need now is a stronger legislative push for adoption of recyclable packaging in India, followed by adoption of the same by players across the value chain. These solutions are available at scale and at affordable prices" he said.

At Huhtamaki, we see packaging not as waste, but as a valuable resource. Today, India recycles only about 8% of its plastic waste, most of it through informal systems. To keep more material in circulation and reduce environmental impact, there is a need for better infrastructure, improved collection models, and clearer guidelines on recyclability.

That's why Huhtamaki has been working closely with industry and policy partners to support change. Earlier this year, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), we hosted Think Circle, where we introduced the Design for Recycling Guidance for Films and Flexible Packaging. These guidelines offer clear and practical inputs to help organisations transition to recyclable flexible packaging, supporting a more unified and circular approach across the industry.

We're proud to be part of platforms that drive honest, solution-focused dialogue. As a global packaging company, we remain committed to building partnerships that enable better choices and a more circular future for packaging.