05

The 11th International Materials Recycling Conference (IMRC) concluded on a positive note achieving significant strides in promoting sustainable practices, minimizing carbon emissions & protecting natural resources for a greener tomorrow. MRAI’s 11th IMRC conference and Expo is Asia’s biggest event which was attended by more than 2200 delegates having 200 exhibitors from more than 35 countries participating in this event. The theme of the conference was focused on the ‘Recycling Industry Transition Towards Vision 2047.’

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. Mr. 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 is working to significantly end this by investing in modern recycling facilities and collection channels. The government has generated Rs.11,000 crore 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.”

Mr. 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 a circular economy. India is the 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 the 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 the 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 materials for me and not waste. We should all be pro-planet people, which 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”.

President of MRAI, Mr. 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 be removed, boost free trade to create a level playing field and enable single window clearance. We suggest a minimum of 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”.

Hon’ble Shri. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Steel said “As Per our Ministry’s Vision 2047 document, in the next 25 years, the percentage of scrap will be 50% along with the balance 50% as iron ore. Iron ore will increase to 25% of scrap in the next five years. The Steel Ministry is committed to a net zero target by the year 2070. Our steel scrap recycling policy enhances the availability of domestically generated scrap to reduce the consumption of coal in steelmaking. There is a positive trend to increase steel production through scrap and this is likely to increase to 35000 crores by 2030.

Mr. Amar Singh, Secretary General, MRAI shared, “The purpose of IMRC is to bring the recycling sector to the forefront & provide a business opportunity to the domestic recyclers. The challenges of commodities like plastic, paper, tyre, and 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 from 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”.

The event also gathers support and participation from Key Global Recycling Associations like ISRI, BIR, EURIC, and BMR along with Domestic Associations like AIIFA, ANMA, ASMA, BME, BNFMA, ICDC, CGSIMA, CSRA, JEMA, SMAM7.