11th IMRC Drives Sustainable Practices & Economic Growth
As the conference concludes, the collective focus remains on propelling India towards a growth trajectory exceeding 8%, crossing the $4 trillion GDP mark in 2024. The 11th IMRC has laid a robust foundation for fostering collaboration, investments and technological innovations in the recycling sector, contributing to a greener and more sustainable global future.
The Plenary Session held on the finale day was addressed by Chief Guest. Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Government of India. Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon'ble Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines also shared a video message.
Pralhad Joshi, Hon'ble Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines shared "Material recycling is not a choice, but a necessity. India recycles around 25 percent of its total metal consumption and who are working to significantly end this by investing in modern recycling facilities and collection channels. The government has generated Rs. 11,000 crores in revenue from electronic waste disposal in the last three years, showcasing the economic potential of the recycling sector. Through innovation and collaboration, we strive for a circular economy, aiming to become a global leader in sustainable metal recycling. Recycling significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, creates jobs, and strengthens domestic supply chains. Let us turn scrap into a valuable resource, paving the way for a greener, more prosperous future."
Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Government of India official while addressing the recycling fraternity shared, "I have closely seen MRAI grow from a small body to a dynamic force working towards circular economy. India is a fastest growing economy at 7.5 % and by 2031 we are all set to be the third largest economy. GOI has introduced several reforms for ease of doing business with digitization. So now it's important that India becomes a first country in the world in growth & prosperity by decarbonizing. Some policies need to be reviewed as we progress on this path. I agree that government should give first preference to recyclable material and also be implemented by States. This is not purely an environmental issue, it's a socio-economic opportunity. This is an opportunity to create jobs. All end-of-life products are raw material for me and not waste. We should all be pro-planet people, that brings the relevance of circular economy for India to advance. It's a trillion-dollar business and everyone should be a champion to make India a world leader in circular economy".
President of MRAI, Sanjay Mehta, emphasized the need for a strategic approach to scrap imports, aligning with global trends. He said "We request the Government that the Non-Ferrous metal scrap import duty to be removed, boost free trade to create a level playing field and enable single window clearance. We suggest minimum 20% recyclable material to be mandated for new product development for circular economy principles to be implemented. We are highly inspired today by the encouragement shared by Mr. Kant. As suggested by you we are putting together key action points that will benefit the recycling sector under your guidance".
"In the next 25 years, the percentage of scrap will be 50% along with the balance 50% as iron ore. Scrap by-products have been considered effective and useful materials in cement manufacture, road construction and agriculture in other countries", announced Steel Minister Shri. Jyotiraditya Scindia at the opening day of the 11th International Material Recycling Conference in Kolkata.
Amar Singh, Secretary General, MRAI shared, “The purpose of IMRC is to bring recycling sector at the forefront & provide a business opportunity to the domestic recyclers. The challenges of commodities like plastic, paper, tyre, e-waste which are new in circularity, faced by the industry were put forward before the Government to tackle. We have requested the Government to incentivize & provide subsidies to the recycling fraternity. The transition of linear to circular economy was staged perfectly at the Circular Economy Zone with Model Demonstrations & the best innovation in the recycling sector was displayed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) from Ropar, Kanpur, Kharagpur, and Bombay. I would urge the recycling industry to collaborate, partner & invest in these tech solutions. The companies participating in IMRC have observed a growth of 100% YoY”.
