Page 31 - Plastics News June 2024

ENVIRONMENT NEWS
ENVIRONMENT NEWS

Innovations and understanding chemical components of waste will boost its reuse: Experts
uring a panel discussion on June 9 at the Bengaluru International Centre, experts highlighted the importance
of innovations and the understanding of waste's chemical components in order to boost its reuse. Myriam
Shankar, Co-founder of the Anonymous Indian Charitable Trust, said that in India 45% of Dry garbage go unex-
amined because of improper source of segregation, which is affecting the cost of recycling in India's Recycling
market.
Shubhi Sachan, a designer specialises in textile waste, noted the alternative uses rather than traditional waste disposal
methods, she also discussed the challenges in waste processing. Shubhi pointed out the economic and vissibility issues
facing by the waste management sector, such as under appreciation of the GDP contributions made from waste and high
taxes. Jesh Krishna Murthy, founder of Advanced Nature, stressed the need for merging science and art in creating sus-
tainable solutions, while Sachan highlighted the knowledge gaps that often undermine waste-to-resource interventions.
The panellists called for stronger political will to support sustainable waste management practices. Shankar noted that
despite laws mandating waste segregation at the household level, enforcement is weak due to political considerations. The
discussion, moderated by Jenny Pinto of Oorjaa, underscored that while innovative solutions exist, they are insufficient to
achieve widespread sustainable living without broader systemic changes.

Pinto’s organization, Oorjaa, focuses on combining waste with natural fibres to create handmade paper, reflecting the
innovative approaches discussed at the event. Overall, the panel emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies and
policies to transform waste management and promote sustainability.
Source: - Hindustan Times

Circular Economy| Tackling India’s e-waste challenge

Rapid economic growth and increasing technological consump-
tion has led India to face critical e-waste challenge. As a result,
the government introduced the E-Waste (Management) Rules,
effective from April 1, 2023, mandating manufacturers to sus-
tainably manage their products' end-of-life. In order to promote
formal recycling and reduce the risks associated with the unor-
ganized sector, these laws and regulations aim to collect 70%
of e-waste by FY23–24 and 80% by FY24–25. Despite of current
challenges and India's pitiful 1% recycling rate for electronic
waste compared to China and the US, the new framework is ex-
pected to promote technological innovation and enhance regu-
latory compliance, turning electronic waste into an opportunity
for sustainable growth.
Source: - Financial Express

AIPMA Environment Week Celebration With Keshav
Shrushti
Uttan Beach Cleanup Drive

orld Environment Day, celebrated annually on June
5th, is an international event that aims to raise
awareness about pressing environmental issues and
promote sustainable practices. This year's theme,
"Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Re-
silience," underscores the importance of adopting sustainable

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June 2024