karo Sambhav

  The importance of enabling circular economy has been a subject of discussion for years now. The country has introduced laws to manage and limit the waste created, also known as EPR or Extended Producer Responsibility. Besides enacting laws to limit and tackle the growing quantum of waste, it is crucial for countries to encourage a better adoption of circular economy across the value chain. However, the 62 million tonnes of solid waste generated in India every year clearly proves that the right implementation of circular economy or EPR is somewhere missing.  In a recently hosted webinar by Karo Sambhav in collaboration with GIZ India, the challenges barring the successful implementation of  EPR  were narrated extensively. The webinar witnessed participation by a profound group of panellists from the high ranks of the industry and government bodies. Before we share the limelight on the minutes of the webinar, let us first clear the air around EPR.  So,...

  The significance of circular economy is not unknown. While India is gradually transitioning towards circular economy, it is driving sustainability and economic growth. What’s more, the World Economic Forum predicts that circular economy paves the way for over 50 million careers. In addition to economic growth, circular economy principles have made an enormous market for job seekers too. Are you curious to know more about the job market that circular economy intends to create? Let’s read:   Material sorters Design specialists for repurposing materials  Repair technicians to repair and maintain products  Specialists in refurbishing and upgrading used products  Craftsmen with skills in metalworking Sustainable materials expert Circular product designers  Supply chain managers, and more.   Can you imagine a future where all used materials and broken products are easily upcycled and processed for further use? There wouldn’t be any waste piling ...

  Electrical appliances or automobiles, power backup or hearing aids, batteries are the primary sources of power for most things we use today. This quite explains why India generates over 50,000 tonnes of battery waste every year. Do you know how many of these batteries end up in landfills? Almost 95%! Surprising but true, only 5% of the spent batteries are appropriately recycled. Little do we realize that batteries are hazardous waste. The lithium deposits and the toxic components in batteries like arsenic, lead, nickel, and dimethoxyethane pose severe environmental risks. Besides, did you know that India is greatly dependent on imports for its energy transition? This is certainly an economic setback. Also, did you know that India is expected to stand out as the third-largest market for energy storage by 2040? Thus, implementing foundational battery rules   is important to manage the overwhelming ratios of battery waste. Mishandling the spent batteries is threatening to the e...

  Plastic serves as a primary material in the packaging industry. Do you agree? Unfortunately, the growing volumes of packaging materials increase toxicity and environmental pollution. This is why the government introduced packaging Extended Producer Responsibility India to make producers significantly responsible for the packaging they continue to impose on the market and manage and delve deeper into its end-of-life. Simply put, EPR is an environmental policy or regulation implemented under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The policy vests entrepreneurs, manufacturers and importers the responsibility to process their plastic packaging waste via recycling, reusing, or rethinking the end-of-life disposal of plastic packaging. Did you know there are ample ways to reprocess plastic waste into energy or industrial composting? Besides, end-of-life plastic components can be utilised in construction and road-making. In short, EPR India in packaging aims to make producers, impo...

Have you been thinking if proactive measures are put in action to minimise plastic waste in the country? India generates over 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. These plastics are a threat to the ecosystem and have a significant impact on the land, oceans, and biodiversity. Moreover, it is not unknown that plastics are mostly non-biodegradable. Thus, whatever plastics are disposed of in landfills remains intact, contaminating the environment. Do you know how much plastic remains untreated and piling up in landfills? Almost 9400 tonnes of plastic. The number is quite alarming. Hence,  Plastic Waste Management  Rules, 2016 in India clearly notified the various stakeholders of the society, such as bulk consumers, retailers, government bodies, entrepreneurs, producers, and others, to work on the following things:  Segregate plastic waste Recycle and reuse plastic components as much as possible Prohibit recyclable plastics to keep stacking in the waste stream...

 Have you heard about circular economy? A present-day buzzword, circular economy outlines a system-focused approach to achieving environmental sustainability. Simply put, circular economy is an upgrade to a traditional linear economy model that focuses on the concept of take, make, and waste. Unfortunately, the time-tested cycle of production and consumption has contributed to overwhelming quantities of waste across the globe. Are you aware of the stats? Let’s read: 1.  Two billion tonnes of waste are produced every year 2.  India alone generates over 62 million tonnes of waste annually 3.  Plastic, electronics, batteries, glass, and food are the biggest contributors of waste to date. In short, waste is a serious problem. Moreover, the rapid influx of industrialisation and technology has worsened the crisis. Hence, it is imperative to reduce waste to an absolute minimum. The question that arises now is how? Clearly, recycling is only half-good in treat...

  Single-use plastic packaging waste has cropped up as an alarming issue in recent times. Would you agree any less? Of course, the buzz to raise consumer awareness around packaging and plastic waste is quite high. Haven’t you heard of recycling and a  circular economy model ? Unfortunately, as the phrase goes,  ‘the proof is in the pudding;’   the landfills remain unaffected regardless of the reformative drive. Think about it – packaging is ubiquitous. From securing fragile products from breakage to minimising food waste, packaging plays a key role in various lines of business. The dramatic expansion of new-end markets globally and a spike in cheaper choice of substrates like plastic is definitely not underrated. Sadly, the growing usage of single-use packaging is burdening and detrimental to the environment.  Did you know that the world generates approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic waste every year? India alone produces over 3.6 lakh million tonnes of p...

 The real-time use of lithium-ion batteries has spiked like never before. Are you aware of this? From appliances and medical equipment to electronic vehicles, marine motors, and more, lithium batteries are safe, reliable, efficient, and a rechargeable source of power. That explains why it crops up as an effective alternative to the previously used lead-acid batteries. Did you know that the batteries come with a steeper price tag too, and rightly so? Lithium-ion batteries are light-weight, portable, have a longer life span, and require little to no maintenance. The perks are obvious. Unfortunately, a surge in the use of Li-ion batteries also implies a growing pile of battery waste. Although debates circling the responsible recycling of lithium batteries have been in motion for the longest time, only 5% of the batteries are efficiently repurposed across the world. India alone contributes over 50,000 tonnes to the surging battery waste stream. The stats are truly alarming. Karo Sambha...