Introduction:
In a significant stride towards sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, Texa Metals & Alloys Private Limited proudly participated in the Indian Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) 2024, organized by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI). Our engagement reflects our commitment to the circular economy, further accentuated by the recent launch of the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) under the G20 India Presidency, promoting circularity globally.
Over the past decade, the global discourse on sustainability and decarbonization has gained momentum, with an increasing emphasis on circularity. The circular economy, inspired by nature, endeavors to create closed-loop systems for raw materials, promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and extended product life cycles. However, despite these aspirations, recent statistics reveal a global circular economy standing at a mere 7.2%, signaling an urgent need for a paradigm shift to reverse this downward trend.
IMRC: More than a Conference, an Engagement with Change-makers:
IMRC 2024 was not just about sitting through conference sessions; it was about immersing ourselves in conversations with visionaries, entrepreneurs, and professionals actively contributing to the circular economy landscape. Engaging with these change-makers provided valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of real-world circular initiatives.
Metal Recycling Reality Check:
At IMRC 2024, the discourse delved into the realities of metal recycling, challenging the general perception that metals are highly recyclable. A recent United Nations report disclosed a harsh truth: less than one-third of studied metals boast an end-of-life recycling rate surpassing 50%, with 34 elements languishing below a dismal 1% recycling rate. This not only points to a significant loss of resources but also underscores the critical need for sustainable consumption practices.
Earth Overshoot Day and Personal Pledge:
The conference coincided with Earth Overshoot Day on August 2, 2023, symbolizing humanity’s depletion of the earth’s ecological resources for the year. In response to these challenges, a personal commitment takes shape: a resolve to abstain from acquiring new personal items throughout 2024. This underscores the individual’s role in steering towards a more sustainable future.
Vehicle Scrappage Policy and ELV Recycling:
IMRC 2024 provided a platform to discuss governmental initiatives, with a spotlight on the Government of India’s revolutionary Vehicle Scrappage Policy introduced in 2021. This policy aimed to transform the end-of-life vehicle (ELV) scrappage industry, with approximately 70 registered vehicle scrappage facilities (RVSFs) receiving approval. Mandating fitness testing and scrapping for commercial vehicles aged over 15 years and private vehicles over 20 years, this initiative plays a pivotal role in mitigating the environmental impact of aging vehicles.
Challenges in ELV Recycling and SIAM’s Role:
Despite robust policies, ELV recycling in India faces challenges such as a lack of awareness, insufficient infrastructure, and the informal nature of the scrap industry. This is where the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) takes center stage. Organizing conferences and initiatives, SIAM advocates for circularity within the automobile sector, catalyzing meaningful dialogue and solutions for sustainable mobility through automotive circularity.
IMRC 2024: Amitabh Kant Envisions India’s Circular Economy Leadership in Global Recycling
The 11th International Materials Recycling Conference (IMRC), hosted by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), culminated as a transformative event, uniting global leaders, government officials, and industry experts in a collective endeavor to propel sustainable practices and environmental responsibility. With a remarkable turnout of over 2200 delegates and 200 exhibitors from 35 countries, IMRC solidified its status as Asia’s largest gathering in the recycling sector. Against the backdrop of themes derived from COP28, the conference not only addressed the pressing challenges in recycling but also charted a visionary course for India’s growth, targeting an ambitious trajectory exceeding 8% and crossing the $4 trillion GDP mark in 2024.
The Plenary Session, featuring Chief Guest Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Government of India, and a video message from Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, highlighted the pivotal role of material recycling in India’s journey towards sustainable economic development. Shri Joshi underscored that recycling is not a mere choice but an economic necessity, emphasizing India’s commitment to a circular economy and the vast potential of the recycling sector. Mr. Kant applauded the dynamic growth of MRAI and urged a comprehensive review of policies as India strives to lead in growth and prosperity by decarbonizing, positioning recycling as a socio-economic opportunity.
President of MRAI, Mr. Sanjay Mehta, emphasized strategic approaches to scrap imports and circular economy principles, calling for the removal of non-ferrous metal scrap import duties and a mandate of 20% recyclable material for new product development. Steel Minister Shri. Jyotiraditya Scindia’s announcement on the growing significance of scrap in the next 25 years further underlined the effectiveness of scrap by-products. IMRC 2024 not only addressed challenges but also showcased innovations at the Circular Economy Zone, featuring displays by Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) from Ropar, Kanpur, Kharagpur, and Bombay.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Texa Metals & Alloys Private Limited’s active engagement in the Indian Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) 2024 underscores a profound commitment to navigating the circular economy and fostering sustainability. The conference, extending beyond a conventional gathering, provided a unique platform for meaningful dialogues with changemakers, shedding light on the realities and challenges of metal recycling. The stark revelation from a United Nations report about the suboptimal recycling rates of various metals emphasized the pressing need for sustainable consumption practices. The personal pledge made in response to Earth Overshoot Day exemplifies the individual’s role in steering toward a more sustainable future.
IMRC 2024 not only highlighted the transformative impact of the Government of India’s Vehicle Scrappage Policy but also illuminated the challenges in ELV recycling and the pivotal role played by organizations like the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The conference, culminating with visionary insights from Shri Amitabh Kant, demonstrated a collective endeavor to propel sustainable practices, positioning India as a leader in the global recycling landscape. As the curtain fell on IMRC 2024, the call for a comprehensive policy review, removal of import duties, and emphasis on recyclable material in new product development echoed a commitment to shaping a circular and environmentally conscious future, uniting industry leaders and experts in a shared pursuit of a sustainable tomorrow.
