The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Thursday organised a seminar on 'Achieving Circularity in the Automotive Industry through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)'.
It examined how effective EPR implementation can contribute to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, circular economy, decarbonisation, lifestyle for environment and achieving targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
The inaugural session, “EPR- A key tool for low-carbon transition in the Automotive Industry”, was graced by Chief Guest Dr Hanif Qureshi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries. The participants included Shrikant Deshmukh, Chairperson, SIAM Recycling Group and General Manager, Product Homologation - Certification and Regulations at Mercedes-Benz India, Harjeet Singh, Executive Advisor- Technology, Hero Motocorp, and Urmila Bhargava, Chairperson, IFP Petro.
Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said ERP was an integral part of the Centre's for a circular economy. “Considering the wastes our industry generates, we have a fantastic opportunity to turn them into assets.”
Also Read: Circular Economy, Alternate Fuels - Two Verticals Of Sustainability
Bhargava encouraged participants to move swiftly towards creating a robust ecosystem for the growth of the circular economy. She said India should place greater emphasis on the collection of used oil as well as its recycling and reuse.
Dr Qureshi said it was important to consider the next 15–20 years and devise creative strategies and solutions to help achieve recycling and reuse objectives. “The Government is eager to collaborate with the sector and support its initiatives,” he added.
According to Deshmukh, the Indian motor industry has consistently backed government efforts to promote the circular economy “because it holds these ideas in high respect”. The thematic sessions were followed by a panel discussion around “Extended Producer Responsibility Fostering SDG 2030”. Masaru Akaishi, MD, Maruti Suzuki Toyotsu India, Anirudh Kedia, Director AKK Recycling, and Mr Kartik Nagpal, President, Rosmerta Group, took part in it.