The panel discussion on “Plastic Waste: Insights on Circular Economy and a Sustainable Future” during the Waste Technology & Management Conference at the Clean India Show 2024 explored the challenges and opportunities surrounding plastic waste management in India, focusing on the critical role of circular economy principles.
Ashish Jain, Director, Indian Pollution Control Association, moderating the session said that “significant advancements are underway, with increased investment, infrastructure development, and stakeholder participation.”
Varun Boralkar, VP- Strategic Business Group, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions (India) Pvt. Ltd, highlighted the complexities of plastic’s role in a growing economy. “The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy is a step in the right direction, but it needs to be more robust to incentivize infrastructure development and innovation.”
Guruashish Sahni, Co-Founder, Recircle, pointed out the limitations of the current EPR framework. “The current cost of EPR is insufficient to support the development of robust infrastructure, particularly for collecting and processing low-value plastics. This hinders the transition towards a truly circular economy.”
Rahul Juware, Director, Social Lab Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd, echoed these concerns, stating, “The current EPR framework primarily focuses on compliance rather than incentivizing genuine circularity. While the policy emphasizes the use of recycled content, the low cost of EPR hinders the development of necessary infrastructure.”
Role of Co-processing in Waste Management
Boralkar emphasized the importance of co-processing in managing plastic waste. “Co-processing, where plastic waste is used as an alternative fuel in cement kilns, has played a crucial role in waste management. It has enabled the development of an ecosystem around cement plants, particularly in regions with limited recycling infrastructure. This aligns with the broader concept of utilizing waste as a resource, as discussed in the conference presentations on Priya Raj case study and the importance of building a circular economy.”
Sahni acknowledged the value of co-processing but stressed the need for a geographically specific approach to EPR. “Currently, EPR implementation often favours long-distance transportation of waste to co-processing facilities, even when local recycling infrastructure exists. This undermines the development of a truly localized and sustainable waste management system.”
Challenges & Opportunities of Plastic Reuse
Juware highlighted the complexities of implementing reuse. Successful reuse requires a robust three-pronged approach:
1) Recover: Efficiently collecting and transporting used packaging;
2) Recondition: Establishing standardized cleaning and quality control processes; and
3) Reuse: Ensuring traceability and responsible reuse of reconditioned packaging.
Sahni expressed concerns about the feasibility of widespread reuse, particularly for smaller packaging sizes. “Challenges include the lack of standardized packaging, the difficulty of establishing efficient reverse logistics, and the potential for increased costs associated with reuse.”
Key Highlights
The conference also covered a wide range of topics related to sustainable waste management, including:
• Bio-CNG production from organic substrates: This aligns with the national goal of achieving net-zero targets by utilizing renewable energy sources.
• Wastewater treatment technologies: Emphasizing the importance of recycling technologies to achieve water security.
• Zero-waste methodologies: Highlighting the significance of individual efforts in achieving zero waste.
• Digital solutions for implementing circular economy principles: Exploring how technology can facilitate the transition to a circular economy.
• E-waste management: Discussing the importance of E-waste as a resource, the need for robust EPR frameworks for batteries (especially lithium-ion batteries), and the potential for recovering valuable materials like gold, lithium, nickel, and silver.
• Eco-Industrial Park models: Exploring the principles and advantages of eco-industrial parks in promoting industrial symbiosis and resource efficiency.
The panel concluded by emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach involving government, industry, and civil society to address the challenges of plastic waste management. Key recommendations included:
• Strengthening the EPR framework: Increase the cost of EPR to incentivize infrastructure development and promote circularity.
• Promoting geographically specific EPR implementation: Encourage the development of localized waste management solutions.
• Investing in research and development: Support innovation in plastic recycling technologies and explore new avenues for waste valorisation.
• Raising consumer awareness: Educate consumers about the importance of proper waste segregation and the benefits of circular economy practices.
By addressing these challenges and embracing innovative solutions, India can move towards a more sustainable future where plastic waste is effectively managed and resources are utilized efficiently.
