The Influence of Environmental Regulations on the Global Supply Chain Strategies of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Companies

This study investigates how environmental regulations are reshaping the global supply chain strategies of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, with a specific focus on firms operating in India. Amid mounting global and national mandates—such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2024), and international frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—FMCG firms are compelled to transform sourcing, logistics, packaging, and internal policy structures to achieve sustainability compliance and competitiveness. Using a secondary data methodology, this research examines regulatory frameworks, strategic responses, and challenges faced by FMCG firms including Hindustan Unilever, Nestlé, Dabur, ITC, and PepsiCo. The findings highlight a clear shift towards ethical sourcing, regenerative agriculture, carbon-efficient logistics, and biodegradable packaging innovations. However, barriers such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory complexity, and digital readiness persist. The study concludes with policy and industry recommendations aimed at harmonising regulations, enhancing digital traceability, supporting MSMEs, and fostering public-private partnerships to enable scalable, circular, and resilient supply chains. The paper contributes to the academic and industry understanding of sustainable supply chain transformation in the context of emerging economies.