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Showing posts with the label circular economy and sustainability

What Is Critical For The Success Of EPR Implementation?

  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, what is EPR, and why is it import

The Circular Economy In India: Exploring Circular Jobs and Economic Growths

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  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 up in the landfills, right? Well, circular e

Battery Waste: What Is It And How Can We Fix It?

  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 environmen

What Is Circular Economy And How Does It Work?

 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 treating and reducing waste by large. W

Why Should I Care About EPR And What Is It?

  The growing awareness about extended producer responsibility in India is quite evident. Some describe EPR as a proactive business measure, while others define EPR as an environmental protection strategy. Ever wondered why you should care about EPR at all? More importantly, what is extended producer responsibility all about? Let’s explain: What is extended producer responsibility, and why is it important? Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a stringent policy approach for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, recyclers, and importers. According to the environmental policy, producers and business owners are entailed to rethink, strategise, and improve the entire life cycle of products from scratch. This implies that a producer is responsible for figuring out sustainable product designs that serve long and keep a close watch on the lifecycle of products post-consumption. If you are not already aware, the constant demand for newer and innovative products every day implies increased scaveng

Importance Of Sustainable Packaging To Drive Circular Economy And Environmental Benefits

  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 plastic waste in a calend