Page 12 - Plastics News March 2019

AIPMA AT WORK

Industry Meet on EPR and Way Forward

PR Industry meet was held on february 19, 2019 at The his company Rapidue Technologies Pvt Ltd as an idea
EPavilionn Hotel, kolhapur. The meeting began with a to create hassle-free waste management. He said, to
welcome note of Mr. Harshad Desai, Chairman –Seminar certain extent waste management could be curbed
Committee, AIPMA. He briefed the forum on objectives using digital platform and market place; which can
of this meet and warmly welcomed all the delegates create ecosystem of recycling by creating awareness
on behalf of AIPMA office bearers, IPI Pune Chapter and at consumer level giving incentive based scheme (from
APP.with over 70 participants from plastics industry. the household to waste pickers to DRCC material recovery
Program commenced with Lamp Lightening ceremony facility to recycler).He emphasized digital technology
by Hon. Chief guest Mr. Ravindra Apte, Chairman – has a great potential to brings all stakeholders on one
Gokul Dairy; Mr. Sapan K. Ray, hon. Secretary, ICPE; platform aggregating their sporadic efforts, ultimately
Mr. Chetan Baregar, Founder member – recykal.com; Mr. leading to empowerment of each fringe element in this
D. T. Devale, former sr. law officer – MPCB; Mr. Ranjjit informed industry.
Jadhav, Vice Chairman – IPI Pune chapter; Mr. Satyajeet Mr. D. T. Devale, former sr. law officer – MPCB highlighted
that first EPR in India was proposed to deal with
batteries waste in 2001, subsequently, in 2011
E-waste management rules introduced. And
similar was the approach towards plastics now.
He further informed that 200-300 EPR plans have
been submitted so far, but none of them has been
approved. He advised if government could levy
a cess in lieu of EPR which could be appealed
by plastics associations.Subsequently, the panel
discussion was moderated by Dr. Sameer Joshi on
EPR related challenges, way forward, and possible
solutions. Mr. Kishore Sampat introduced panellists;
Mr. D. T. Devale, Mr. Nitin Gore, Dr. Vijay Patil, and
Dr. Sameer Joshi.
Bhonsle, Sustainability Division – Reliance Polymers; Mr. Mr. Ravindra Apte, Chairman – Gokul Dairy said selling
Kishore Sampat, VP West – AIPMA; Mr. Harshad Desai, milk in plastics pouches was an innovation but now it is
Chairman – Seminar Committee, AIPMA Mr. Sapan K. alleged to cause plastic waste and there is relentless
Ray, Hon. Secretary, ICPE explained impact on plastic attacks on milk pouches; based on perception however
on environment and approach towards sustainable public opinion needs to improve and so is the thing with
development. He went on explaining anthropological oils as well, which eventually use polythene films, cans,
context and material context stating that production jars, containers, etc. He added, due to littering; drains
and usage of plastic dates back to some hundred years are blocked and that’s particularly visible in rains, which
only and ever since the consumption has increased to results in submerged roads. If littering is the problem,
350% from 1950s. He further highlighted VAC factors then is it right that all the responsibilities be borne
i.e., Versatility, Affordability, and Convenience. Impacts by producers/ manufacturers/ retailers.He recited Mr.
of plastic alternatives result in increased environmental Devele’s thought referring to government cess in lieu
footprints. Concluding to his presentation he put forth of EPR and commissioning common collection centres.
circularity to be a possible solution.Mr. Chetan Baregar, The meet was concluded with vote of thanks proposed
Founder member – recykal.com, shared his perspective by Mr. Satyajeet Bhonsle, Sustainability Division,
on EPR. He explained the digital framework created by Reliance Polymers.

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