New EPR Rules 2026
Free Consultation
Research & Policy

Plastic Value-Chain Study

Following plastic from consumption to recovery — and where it leaks.

Scope this with us →All of Research & Policy
Plastic moving through the waste value chain to recyclers
What it is

A plastic value-chain study maps how specific plastics (e.g., single-use) move from consumption through collection, aggregation and recycling — quantifying recovery, leakage and the economics — to inform policy and EPR. We have delivered these with GIZ across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Why it matters
  • Policy and EPR need evidence on where plastic actually goes
  • It quantifies the recycling gap and leakage points
  • It grounds interventions in real value-chain economics
Follow the plastic

See where plastic recovers — and leaks

A value-chain study follows plastic from consumer to recycler, quantifying how much is recovered and where the rest leaks into the environment.

Plastic consumedAll plastic entering the market
CollectedDoorstep, kabadiwala & waste-pickers
AggregatedSorted and baled by grade
RecycledBack into material — the rest leaks
How we do it

A clear, practical approach

01Chain mapping

Actors, flows and economics from consumer to recycler.

02Field data

Primary data on recovery, leakage and rates.

03Findings & policy

Evidence and recommendations for policy and EPR.

Proof on the ground

Related work we've delivered

Real projects behind our research & policy — named partners, measured outcomes.

Research

Single-Use Plastics Value-Chain Assessment

2 cities in Maharashtra & 2 cities in Tamil Nadu

4Cities studied (2 Maharashtra + 2 Tamil Nadu)
Read the case study →
Composting

Turning Waste Into Wealth — City Compost Business Models for ULBs

Ballarpur · Erandol · Badlapur · Karad, Maharashtra

245 MTProject compost demand fulfilled (April–June 2022)
Read the case study →
Research

Impact Evaluation of a Decentralized Solid Waste Management Project

16 Bulk Waste Generators across Mumbai & Pune

88%Segregation rate achieved at household level
Read the case study →
More in Research & Policy

Related services

Waste Market Assessment Sizing the demand, players and economics of a waste or recycled-material market. Explore → Waste Technology Assessment An independent read on whether a waste technology actually works, here. Explore → Informal-Sector Study Making visible the informal system that already recycles the city. Explore → Waste Livelihood Study Understanding how waste sustains livelihoods — to strengthen them. Explore → Waste Policy Research Evidence and analysis to shape better waste rules and programmes. Explore → Knowledge Product & Case-Study Development Turning field experience into shareable, credible knowledge. Explore → All of Research & PolicySee the full research & policy service.→
FAQ

Plastic Value-Chain Study — quick answers

The essentials, then talk to us for your specifics.

Talk to our team →
What is plastic value-chain study?
A plastic value-chain study maps how specific plastics (e.g., single-use) move from consumption through collection, aggregation and recycling — quantifying recovery, leakage and the economics — to inform policy and EPR. We have delivered these with GIZ across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Who needs Plastic Value-Chain Study?
It's built for governments, GIZ & brands. Policy and EPR need evidence on where plastic actually goes It quantifies the recycling gap and leakage points
How does Social Lab deliver Plastic Value-Chain Study?
Chain mapping: Actors, flows and economics from consumer to recycler. Field data: Primary data on recovery, leakage and rates. Findings & policy: Evidence and recommendations for policy and EPR. You get: A plastic value-chain map; Recovery & leakage quantification; Policy & EPR recommendations.
Where to next

Explore the rest of our waste-circularity work — by service, by who you are, or by where you operate.

All services By client type By location Waste Circularity hub →
Let’s talk

Need plastic value-chain study?

Tell us where you are and we'll scope it — baseline to measured impact.

Book a consultation

Or call +91 95794 42142 · [email protected]