The Indian Plastics Federation (IPF), in association with the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, organised the Bengal Plastic Recycling Conference at the Hyatt Regency on September 25. The conference provided a platform for industry leaders and experts from the raw materials and plastics recycling sectors to deliberate on the future of plastics recycling and sustainability in Bengal alongside looking at innovative ways to address plastic waste management. The event was inaugurated by Rajesh Kumar (second from left), IPS, principal secretary, department of environment, West Bengal, and member secretary, West Bengal Pollution Control Board
Photos: Amit Pramanik
“This conference is a testament to our shared vision of a greener future. West Bengal is uniquely positioned to pioneer recycling innovations and today’s gathering strengthens our resolve to bring these ideas to life,” said Amit Agarwal (fourth from left), vice president, IPF. “Bengal is ready to lead. By bringing fresh ideas and cutting-edge technology to the forefront, we are shaping a new reality for plastics recycling that will leave lasting impacts on the industry and the environment,” noted Devendra Surana (fifth from left), chairperson, Bengal Plastic Recycling Conference
During the course of the event, a series of discussions, seminars, workshops and exhibitions delved into crucial aspects such as plastic waste processors (PWPs), extended producer responsibility (EPR) and compliance, PCR and polymer integration, the Plastic Waste Management Act (PWM) in 2016, and the latest advancements in plastic recycling machinery and technology
The conference also featured Alok Tibrewal, former president, IPF, alongside luminaries across industries, including representatives from the likes of Diageo, Bisleri, Emami, ITC, PWC, Deloitte, Diamond Beverages, among others. Bisleri was commended on its consumer awareness strategy in using bottling which is made of recycled plastic. It was emphasised throughout the conference that recycling plastic is the responsibility of all – consumers and producers alike
“Tell children that when anything breaks, mend it, rather than throw it away,” said Pradeep Kumar Pandey, president, packaging development, Emami. Pandey discouraged resorting to greenwashing and, like several other speakers at the conference, underscored the importance of sincerity in championing sustainability. Overall, the conference accumulated a diverse range of perspectives and insights as part of IPF’s mission to inform and engage stakeholders on all things plastics
