India's recycling industry is entering a phase of steady growth, and according to Sandeep Aggarwal, Chairman & Managing Director of Ardee Industries, the country's increasing demand and supportive policy environment are creating fresh opportunities for responsible manufacturers.
Speaking about the company's outlook, Aggarwal said domestic demand is growing at around 6 to 7 percent annually. Alongside the Indian market, Ardee is strengthening its presence across Southeast Asia, where free trade agreements with India help lower import duties and make Indian exports more competitive.
He believes logistics also play an important role in exports. With the company's manufacturing facility located close to a port in southern India, transportation costs remain competitive, helping Ardee serve overseas customers efficiently.
Quality, however, remains the company's biggest differentiator. Aggarwal pointed out that Ardee's lead brand has received approval from the London Metal Exchange (LME), an internationally recognised benchmark that reflects adherence to global quality standards. The certification enables the company to compete confidently in overseas markets where product consistency is critical.
Despite the geopolitical uncertainties affecting global trade, Aggarwal said the company has not witnessed any significant impact on its business in Southeast Asia, which continues to remain an important export destination.
On technology, he explained that Ardee has built its operations around modern equipment selected through years of industry experience. The focus has been on improving operational efficiency, increasing recovery rates and creating an environmentally responsible manufacturing process. The company's recycling operations are designed around the principles of a circular economy, where used lead is recovered, refined and reintroduced into the value chain instead of relying solely on virgin raw materials.
Looking ahead, Aggarwal believes policy support will determine how quickly India's recycling industry expands. He welcomed initiatives such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and other waste management regulations that encourage formal recycling. According to him, greater adoption of recycling will not only reduce dependence on primary resources but also lower carbon emissions, making manufacturing cleaner and more sustainable in the years ahead.
