Future of EPR and sustainable waste management

Label Manufacturers Association of India (LMAI) has hosted a seminar in Bengaluru to discuss the efforts toward sustainability and the development of a circular ecosystem.

Recognizing the importance of the topic of EPR and sustainable waste management, LMAI, along with its members, Avery Dennison, UPM Raflatac, VeePee Graphic Solutions, Acme Rolltech and HP set the stage for discussion.

Pardip Singh, senior manager, Avery Dennison focused on the company's global efforts toward sustainability and the need for a circular ecosystem, reiterated the company’s commitment to recycling programs, particularly in assisting converters with waste recycling.

Singh briefly touched upon how the company’s active programs like waste matrix recycling and release liners recycling are successfully operating in major cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. The company encouraged converters to engage with their sales staff to learn about and participate in the sustainability initiatives.

He further discussed several other initiatives that Avery Dennison has implemented to reduce environmental impact, such as entering into power purchase agreements with grids for green power generation, decreasing equipment use intensity by two percent, purchasing credits from IRC, utilizing CNG vehicles for delivery, and adopting electric vehicles for staff use. He also urged attendees to explore and implement similar measures in its own factories.

The seminar featured a line-up of speakers who shared insights and perspectives on sustainability and waste management.

Suresh Valecha from UPM Raflatac highlighted products with recycled content, linerless technology and innovative wash-off labels, emphasizing UPM's commitment to environmental stewardship and collaboration with label converters.

Speakers from Acme Rolltech and HP talked about sustainability practices their companies are undertaking in their respective domains of anilox rollers and digital presses as well as reducing wastages in convertors’ works.

Natasha from VeePee Graphic Solutions shared her perspective on sustainability in pre-press, showcasing the importance of environmental considerations in every stage of production.

The guest speaker, Shailendra Singh from Dhartie Net Zero (DNZ), an expert on sustainability, delivered a presentation on sustainability strategy development, offering practical approaches tailored for MSME companies. DNZ expressed readiness to support converters in achieving their sustainability objectives, including EPR compliance.

The event saw a gathering of over 100 participants from the LMAI member as well as non-member community.

Jaideep Singh, the honorary secretary of LMAI, kicked off the event setting the expectations of converters and manufactures around the topic.

LMAI director, Harveer Sahni, concluded the evening by reiterating the same sentiments discussed at the seminar and commenting that LMAI will take forward the initiative and fight industry challenges.