The Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) launched its much-anticipated 12th International Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) today in Jaipur, gathering over 2,500 global delegates from more than 50 countries. Taking place from 28th to 30th January, 2025, the event is dedicated to addressing critical issues and advancements in the recycling industry.
Naveen Sharma, Vice President, MRAI, referred to the event as the Mahakumbha of the recycling industry, emphasizing, “The conference centers on advancing greener practices and championing sustainability on a global scale.”
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of eminent leaders from government, industry, and academia, including Major General K Narayanan, Program Director, NITI Aayog; and Shri Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel. They were joined by key voices from MRAI, including its President, Sanjay Mehta, and Director, Dhawal Shah, along with thought leaders from across the globe.
Setting the tone for the conference, Mr. Sanjay Mehta, President of MRAI, delivered an
impactful keynote, anchoring his message in the vision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri.
Narendra Modi’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). He emphasized, “LiFE is a public movement to mobilize individuals to become ‘Pro-Planet People.’ If you want to change the world, start with yourself.”
He further urged a paradigm shift in how society views and manages waste, stating, “The
Earth’s resources are finite. Our planet, which has nurtured life for billions of years, is now struggling. This is a call for mindful living through individual and collective actions. Recycling, when done strategically and correctly, aligns seamlessly with Mission LiFE, reducing the burden on nature. Let’s take care of our waste — at home, in offices, and in factories—by practicing correct segregation.
His remarks underlined the need for every stakeholder, from individuals to large corporations, to adopt recycling as a lifestyle choice rather than a mere obligation.
A Nationwide Movement for Recycling:
Adding to this call for action, Dhawal Shah, Director of MRAI, highlighted the importance of
mass awareness:
“We need to create a nationwide campaign, ‘Recycling India,’ a real movement to raise
awareness and unlock opportunities in the recycling sector.”
He accentuated the need for India to establish itself as a recycling leader by fostering a culture of responsible resource management and creating opportunities for innovation in the circular economy.
Government’s Vision for Sustainability:
Representing the government’s perspective, Shri Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Joint Secretary,
Ministry of Steel, stressed the importance of building a robust recycling ecosystem:
“By strengthening our recycling infrastructure, supporting education and awareness campaigns, and encouraging industries to adopt circular economic principles, we can build a thriving, sustainable future for all.”
Global Recycling Challenges: A Call for Innovation
The conference addressed several critical challenges facing the industry:
● Infrastructure Development: A need for modern, decentralized recycling hubs across India.
● Awareness Gaps: Limited awareness about recycling among consumers and industries.
● Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Inconsistent implementation among manufacturers.
● Technological Gaps: Limited investment in advanced recycling technologies.
● Regulatory Barriers: Streamlining compliance processes remains essential for smoother operations.
Key Statistics Highlight the Urgency:
● Material Consumption Surge: Global raw material consumption has quadrupled since 1970, projected to rise by 60% by 2060.
● Water Usage: Agriculture alone accounts for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, with demand expected to increase by 30% by 2050.
● Waste Mismanagement: India generates over 62 million tons of municipal waste annually, with only 30% properly processed.
Vision for a Circular Economy:
The conference stressed actionable strategies to unleash the potential of recycling, including:
1. EPR Compliance: Strengthening industry accountability for waste management.
2. Consumer Awareness: Nationwide educational programs to promote proper waste segregation.
3. Incentives for Industry Innovation: Financial rewards linked to recycling milestones.
4. Public-Private Partnerships: Establishing collaborative frameworks for sustainable practices.
5. Circular Economy Hubs: Developing eco-parks to promote sustainable waste management.
Actionable Proposals for Government Collaboration
MRAI presented several recommendations to policymakers:
● 33% Recycled Content Mandate: For government procurement.
● Regulatory Reforms: Removal of pre-shipment inspection certificate (PSIC)
requirements.
● Incentive Schemes: Linking rewards to recycling initiatives.
● Educational Programs: Integrating recycling awareness at primary school levels.
● Circular Economy Hubs: Developing eco-parks in key urban areas.
Industry and Trade Responsibilities:
Speakers urged businesses to:
● Align with government sustainability policies.
● Invest in cutting-edge recycling technologies.
● Prioritize waste segregation at source.
● Uphold ethical business practices.
Honoring Industry Visionaries:
A special highlight of the event was the conferring of Lifetime Achievement Awards to Mr.
Vijay Sharda, Chairman & Managing Director of Shabro Group, and Mr. Gaurishankar
Agarwala, Chairman of CMR Green Technologies Ltd., for their monumental contributions to
the Indian recycling and manufacturing sectors.
Inspiring a Sustainable Future
The IMRC 2025 aims to ignite transformative ideas, cultivate collaborations, and drive the
recycling industry toward innovation and sustainability. Through collective action, India can
emerge as a global leader in responsible material management, empowering generations to
come.