ECONOMICS OF RECYCLING IN THE EPDM RUBBER PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
This study presents a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental assessment of recycling practices in the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber manufacturing industry in India. With the Indian EPDM market valued at approximately USD 279.4 million in 2024 and projected to grow steadily, the generation of 5 to 15% manufacturing waste represents a significant opportunity for resource recovery. Using a mixed-methods approach integrating primary industrial data, cost-benefit analysis, energy evaluation, carbon footprint assessment, and return on investment (ROI) modelling, the study quantifies the advantages of incorporating recycled EPDM into production systems.
The results demonstrate that partial substitution of virgin rubber with recycled rubber yields substantial economic benefits without compromising industrial feasibility. A 40% replacement level alone can generate national cost savings of approximately ?874 crore annually, while full replacement scenarios significantly minimize raw material costs. Energy analysis indicates a reduction of 361 kWh per ton, translating to annual savings of over 11.57 million kWh and cost savings of approximately ?104 million for a medium-scale plant. Environmental assessment reveals a marked decrease in carbon emissions, with reductions reaching up to 716 kg CO? per ton of compound Overall, the findings establish EPDM recycling as a highly effective strategy for improving cost efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and lowering carbon intensity in the rubber manufacturing sector. The study highlights that even moderate levels of recycled content can deliver significant economic and environmental gains, supporting circular economy principles and sustainable industrial development.
Keywords: Economics, Recycling, EPDM, Waste Rubber, Sustainability.
Amaira Anand (2026). Economics of Recycling in the EPDM Rubber Products Manufacturing Industries. Indian Journal of Applied Economics and Business. 8(1), 1-14. https://DOI:10.47509/IJAEB.2026.v08i01.01
