Minister for Environment, Nilesh Cabral inaugurated the ‘Online Environmental Data Monitoring Room and Technology Information Centre’ in a function organised by Goa State Pollution Control Board at Saligao.
The Environment Minister also inaugurated the conference ‘Simplifying Post Consumer Recyclates: Challenges & Opportunities’ hosted by Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) a leading emerging markets company in partnership with the Goa Pollution Control Board, Sampurn(e)arth Environment Solutions, and Mineral Foundation of Goa.
A MoU was signed between Goa State Pollution Control Board, Goa Waste Management & Corporation, Godrej Consumer Products Limited, Sampurn(e)arth Environment Solutions and Mineral Foundation of Goa for ‘Integrated Waste Management Programme’.
Secretary (Environment), Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, Chairman, GSPCB, Mahesh Patil, Member Secretary, GSPCB, Dr. Shamila Monteiro and others were also present.
‘Simplifying Post Consumer Recyclates: Challenges & Opportunities’ conference, focused on spotlighting crucial conversations surrounding recycled polymers and sustainable practices, aligning with GCPL’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The event brought together stakeholders from various sectors to address the pressing issues related to the utilisation of recycled polymer products in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The discussions aimed to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders for sustainable solutions, while raising awareness about the challenges and opportunities linked to recycled polymers, particularly within the framework of the Plastic Waste Management Rules. Additionally, the event encouraged dialogue on strategies to bolster quality control measures, formalise supply chains, ensure worker safety, and promote responsible business practices. Technical experts also contributed by sharing insights into recyclable packaging designs that promote greater utilisation of recycled materials and foster innovation in sustainable product packaging. Lastly, the event aimed to establish partnerships and action plans that align with national waste management objectives and principles of a circular economy.
Speaking on the occasion, Mahesh Patil, Chairman, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GPCB), said, “Goa, as a bustling tourist hub faces the challenge of having the highest per capita waste generation in India. While we have been proactively developing decentralised waste management systems to address this, the magnitude of the issue demands collective action. It’s imperative that brands, producers, waste management companies, scrap markets, and regulatory bodies like ours unite in our efforts. Together, we can safeguard Goa’s pristine coastlines and ensure a sustainable future for all.”
Gayatri Divecha, Head of CSR & Sustainability at Godrej Industries Limited and Associate Companiessaid:“India has shown bigger ambition than any other country in its approach to waste management and PCR use. We’ve not just recognised our plastic waste challenge but are confronting it directly. To realise this ambition, a united waste ecosystem is essential. As brand owners, we’re seeking solutions with local relevance that can resonate nationwide. By bringing together the insights of practitioners, implementors, brand leaders, and the philanthropic community, we aim to craft a definitive blueprint for India’s solid waste transformation.”
Sharing her views, Debartha Banerjee, Director, Sampurn(e)arth Environment Solutions, further added, “The current landscape of recycled polymer utilisation, in line with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, is unregulated, fragmented, and primarily used in non-branded products. The ecosystem is predominantly informal and there’s a glaring absence of standardised quality controls and structured supply chains. With this partnership with GPCB and Godrej Consumer Products Limited, we’re prioritising the focus on high-quality waste raw materials through effective source segregation, setting up need-based recovery units & processing facilities while partnering and engaging with local waste worker-driven and managed groups. We’re also addressing the pressing challenges in the waste management supply chain from child labour to worker safety, health provisions, and pollution control.”
