How EPR, ESG revolutionising waste management in India

“EPR regulations are holding producers accountable, and ESG considerations are driving investment in sustainable solutions,’” says Sachin Sharma, Founder & Director of GEM Enviro Management, in an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz. Sharma also dives deep into the potential of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks to revolutionise PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle disposal and recycling, emphasising the creation of a closed-loop system that promotes resource recovery. He also discusses strategies for enhancing waste management systems, particularly focusing on PET bottles within the EPR framework

How might Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks revolutionise the disposal and recycling processes of PET bottles, driving advancements in waste management practices to enhance sustainability?

EPR frameworks hold the potential to revolutionise how PET bottles are disposed of and recycled. By shifting the financial and operational responsibility for PET bottle collection, sorting, and recycling onto producers, EPR incentivises them to design more recyclable bottles and invest in efficient recycling infrastructure. This, in turn, leads to a significant increase in collection rates, diverting a substantial amount of plastic waste from landfills. Furthermore, EPR fosters a circular economy for PET bottles. Recycled plastic content can be reintegrated into new bottle production, reducing reliance on virgin plastic and minimising environmental impact. Additionally, EPR incentivises innovation in sorting and recycling technologies, specifically for PET bottles. This can include advancements in automated sorting, chemical recycling techniques, and improved processing of coloured plastics. EPR frameworks can actually transform PET bottle disposal from a linear process ending in landfills to a closed-loop system that promotes resource recovery and environmental sustainability.

What strategies are being developed to enhance waste management systems, particularly focusing on the disposal and recycling of PET bottles within EPR frameworks?

India's fight against plastic waste, particularly PET bottles, received a significant boost with the 2016 EPR rules and their subsequent implementation in 2018. However, 2022 marked a crucial shift. The government prioritized the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ hierarchy, positioning India's EPR framework as a leader in the circular economy for PET bottle management.

This multi-pronged approach tackles PET bottles strategically. EPR frameworks aim to integrate the informal waste picker sector, a vital cog in India's waste management system. By providing training, equipment, and fair compensation, these frameworks formalise their role and improve collection efficiency. Additionally, potential investments in chemical recycling technologies hold promise for handling mixed-waste streams containing PET bottles, a challenge in traditional mechanical recycling. Finally, the recently launched EPR portal strengthens this initiative by ensuring data transparency. This allows for tracking progress towards achieving a closed-loop PET waste management system in India, where used bottles are transformed into new ones, minimising environmental impact

What strides has India taken in tackling its substantial plastic pollution problem, and what aspects still require attention to effectively combat this challenge?

India has made significant strides in tackling its plastic pollution problem. The 2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules mandated producer responsibility and banned specific plastics, while a 2022 ban on single-use items aims to further reduce waste. Promotion and incentives for sustainable alternatives like cloth bags and bamboo straws are additional measures. The EPR framework holds producers accountable for managing waste, potentially revolutionising waste management. However, effective enforcement remains a challenge. For a comprehensive solution, India needs to focus on encouraging circular economy models, strengthening recycling mechanisms with potential for innovative technologies, promoting innovation in reusable products, and exploring product-as-a-service approaches. By addressing these aspects alongside existing initiatives, India can effectively combat its plastic pollution challenge.

How do Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) audit and advisory services support industries in adopting sustainable practices and promoting environmental consciousness?

ESG audit and advisory services assist companies in meeting Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting Requirement (BRSR) mandates, ensuring compliance with ESG standards. With the implementation of government regulations such as the PWM 2016 notification and EPR guidelines, companies are compelled to focus on their ESG goals, leading to improved waste disposal practices. ESG services further aid companies in waste collection, recycling, and fulfilling EPR obligations, contributing to a tangible improvement in their environmental impact and overall ESG performance. These services facilitate organisations in adhering to ESG guidelines, ultimately enhancing their sustainability efforts.

How can governments improve waste management supply chains through effective measures and policies?

Effective measures and policies can empower governments to significantly improve waste management supply chains. Firstly, addressing infrastructure gaps is crucial. This might involve initiatives like those undertaken by us, which focus on streamlining collection and transportation networks, particularly for challenging waste streams like plastic. Robust logistics infrastructure ensures a smooth flow of recyclables to processing facilities. Secondly, standardised waste management practices and regulations are essential. Uniformity across industries promotes better coordination, compliance, and accountability. Finally, fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, and recyclers unlocks innovation and investment in recycling infrastructure. This collaborative approach strengthens the entire waste management supply chain, paving the way for a circular economy where resources are recovered and reused, minimizing environmental impact.

With the proliferation of electronic waste (e-waste) in India, how can the waste management industry collaborate with technology companies and policymakers to establish efficient e-waste recycling systems and minimise environmental hazards?

To establish efficient e-waste recycling systems and minimise environmental hazards in India, collaboration between the waste management industry, technology companies, and policymakers is essential. Technology companies can contribute by developing innovative solutions for e-waste collection, sorting, and recycling. Policymakers play a crucial role in creating a conducive regulatory environment by enforcing strict regulations, such as the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, and providing incentives for sustainable e-waste management practices. The waste management industry can collaborate with technology companies to implement these solutions effectively and ensure compliance with regulations. By working together, stakeholders can establish a comprehensive e-waste recycling infrastructure that mitigates environmental risks and promotes sustainable resource management.

India's waste management infrastructure often faces gaps in collection, transportation, and recycling capabilities, how does your company address these infrastructure challenges to ensure the effective management of waste streams and minimize environmental impact?

Navigating India's waste management landscape is a constant battle. Fragmented collection, inefficient transportation, and limited recycling infrastructure create major hurdles. However, the tide is turning. EPR regulations are holding producers accountable, and ESG considerations are driving investment in sustainable solutions.

GEM Enviro tackles these challenges head-on by establishing collection points, partnering with waste generators, and integrating informal pickers. We optimize transportation logistics and prioritize advanced recycling technologies. Looking ahead, carbon credits from waste-to-energy conversion offer exciting possibilities for further investment in a greener future. By embracing these advancements, we can build a more effective and sustainable waste management system for India.