Vidarbha Plastic Industries Association in association with RIL, AIPMA and IPI organised an industry meet on “EPR and way forward” at VIA auditorium, in Civil Lines on Thursday.
The objective of the meet was to emphasise the extended producers’ responsibility and discuss how to work on solid waste management, garbage collection, recycling, processing and face the recycling related challenges.
Unmesh Nayak, Head PE Business, Reliance Industries Ltd. was the chief guest who informed the audience about the need of using recycled material in sync with virgin material. He said the growing demand for plastic goods ads to the responsibility as well.
Sushil Agrawal, Director, Haldiram Foods Ltd. was the guest of honour, who emphaised on the role played by of each key stake holder in the process of manufacturing the end product. Holding only the end user responsible is not the long term solution.
Abhijit Parekh, Partner, LUCRO explained about buy back and recycling process. He suggested to create an effective after-use plastics economy by improving the economics and uptake of recycling, reuse and controlled biodegradation for targeted applications.
Rajesh Gauba, VP, Recycling & Sustainability, Reliance Industries Ltd. discussed on EPR Evolution.
He spoke about Implementation of EPR in India. He pointed out that India is already recycling 60% of the plastic waste which is 20% higher than European countries. He said plastic waste is a global challenge. Issue of littering can be resolved though the EPR funding by adding value to non-valued. This will create additional income stream for unorganised workers. Existing system should be supplemented & EPR Framework should be supported by single unified digital platform.
Panel discussion was also held to discuss EPR, its challenges and solution.
Eminent panelist was Hiten Bheda, Chairman, Environment Committee, AIPMA. Anirudha Jalan, VP Strategy, Recycle.com gave overiew about digitalisation of plastic waste recycling cycle, Girdhari Mantri, Chairman CSR Forum, VIA gave the past and current status of the government on EPR issue and Ms Mahima Suri, Marketing and BD Head, Suritex Pvt. Ltd emphasized on learning from other sectors like E-waste recycling.
VPIA President Rakesh Surana and Secretary Dr Prashant Agrawal conducted the programme.
