Page 70 - CIJ Dec 2023 - Digital Edition

Products & systems

Transparent waste management

Beyond greenwashing and fines

he waste management industry in India has
long grappled with challenges ranging from
inadequate infrastructure to lax enforcement of
Tregulations. The recent findings of the Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB) audit, which revealed
irregularities in three state boards and imposed fines
exceeding `355 crore on four firms for violating norms,
underscore the pressing need for transparency and
traceability in waste management practices.
The CPCB audit shed light on significant gaps in
compliance across the waste management sector,
highlighting the potential for greenwashing – a
deceptive practice where companies falsely claim to be
environmentally responsible. In this case falsely claim
to be collection and recycling more than they actually
do, in order to claim higher EPR credits. Such practices
not only erode public trust but also hinder the progress
towards sustainable waste management practices.
Transparency in the waste management supply
chain is essential to ensure accountability and prevent
greenwashing. The need for a comprehensive traceable
system becomes apparent as regulatory bodies identify
discrepancies and penalize non-compliant entities.
Without a robust mechanism to trace the origin and
destination of waste, it becomes challenging to hold
responsible parties accountable. environmental implications, real traceability becomes
In this context, Satma CE operational software a powerful tool for driving genuine sustainability and
emerges as a promising solution to eliminate ambiguity mitigating the risks associated with deceptive practices.
and mitigate the risk of greenwashing in the waste Satma CE facilitates seamless communication and
management sector. Unlike traditional plug-in information exchange amongst different stakeholders
transparency softwares, Satma CE operates throughout of the waste management ecosystem, all of which is
the supply chain, providing real-time insights into the digitally and automatically captured by companies
operations of each company using it. This operational using it. This ensures that regulatory bodies, waste
software integrates seamlessly into daily processes, generators, and waste management entities are on the
making transparency a natural outcome of its use. same page, promoting a collaborative approach towards
The software addresses the gaps in the CPCB audits sustainable waste management practices.
by providing real traceability which includes micro The waste management industry in India is at a
verification: which is the granular examination of crucial juncture where transparency and traceability
each transaction in the waste supply chain from a are not just desirable but imperative. The CPCB audit
authenticated 3rd party, providing a detailed account of findings serve as a wake-up call for the industry to
the journey of waste from its generation to segregation adopt innovative solutions that go beyond mere paper
to recycling to product making or disposal. This trails and paper compliance (which can contain falsified
level of scrutiny not only ensures compliance with information).
environmental norms but also plays a pivotal role in Satma CE not only aligns with regulatory
preventing fraudulent practices and greenwashing. requirements but also fosters a culture of transparency
Stakeholders can delve into the specifics of each throughout the supply chain. As India strives to enhance
transaction, fostering a culture of accountability its waste management practices, embracing tools
and trust throughout the waste management supply like Satma CE is a significant step towards a more
chain. In an industry where every transaction holds sustainable and accountable future. CIJ

NOVEMBER 2023•Clean India Journal
70 www.cleanindiajournal.com