EcoEx, the first Indian digital marketplace, offers comprehensive plastic waste management services, waste commodity trading, and technology consulting. Specializing in the management of plastic and e-waste under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) services, we also trade in waste commodities. Furthermore, we provide technology consulting for establishing recycling units, waste-to-energy plants, and waste-to-oil plants. Our services ensure proper channelization and disposal with complete documentation, guaranteeing project execution at the ground level.
In an exclusive dialogue with The Interview World, Akshaya Rath, Co-founder and CEO of EcoEx, highlights the implementation of India’s first EPR program by his company. He emphasizes the program’s broader impact, envisions its long-term growth, and shares insights into its implementation in other countries. Here are the key insights from his interview.
Q: Could you explain the concept of the first plastic EPR credit steered by EcoEx in India and elaborate on how it is facilitating and implementing this credit system within the plastic industry?
A: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a vital element of India’s Plastic Waste Management Rule. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitors this program. This regulation stipulates that manufacturers must collect and manage an equivalent quantity and quality of plastic used in their packaging. They must either recycle the plastic, if feasible, or incinerate it through designated, approved agencies. Moreover, they must document and submit all these actions through the CPCB’s online portal to ensure traceability and accountability.
This shift places the onus of waste management directly on manufacturers, including those in FMCG, F&B, pharmaceutical, and paint industries. These companies must now take responsibility for the pollution and litter their products generate. Producers themselves must now clear and manage the waste that previously burdened municipal bodies. This includes the plastic waste seen on roads and in landfills, which municipalities traditionally spent significant resources to clear.
Non-compliance with EPR regulations carries substantial financial penalties. Manufacturers failing to meet their EPR obligations will face a fine of Rs. 5,000 per tonne of unmanaged plastic waste. The CPCB has prescribed this penalty, enforced under the authority of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
EPR’s scope extends beyond plastic waste management, encompassing other materials such as rubber, tires, batteries, and electronic waste (e-waste). This broader application aims to foster a more comprehensive approach to waste management, promoting environmental sustainability across various sectors. By holding producers accountable, EPR encourages more sustainable manufacturing practices and a reduction in environmental pollution.
Q: Can you elaborate on the broader impact of your program across the industry?
A: At EcoEx, we have developed a robust software platform designed to simplify and streamline the fulfillment of EPR liabilities for manufacturers. Our platform allows manufacturers to address their EPR obligations either independently, through their distribution networks, or by engaging consultants, advisors, or service providers. This flexibility ensures that businesses can choose the most efficient and effective method to comply with EPR regulations.
EcoEx has created a comprehensive platform that integrates 13 different stakeholders within the plastic waste ecosystem. Each stakeholder undergoes a rigorous due diligence process before registration, ensuring that only qualified and reliable entities are part of our network. Once registered, these stakeholders can facilitate the entire EPR process for enterprises. This process includes sourcing materials, arranging transportation, obtaining endorsements from local authorities such as municipalities, connecting with recyclers, and generating credit certificates on the CPCB portal. These certificates are then seamlessly transferred from the PWP wallet to the enterprise wallet, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.
EcoEx stands out as a pioneer and the first trade portal for EPR and waste plastic commodity trade. Our innovative approach and comprehensive platform have positioned us as leaders in the industry. To date, we have facilitated over 500,000 tons of plastic credit transactions for major companies such as Coca-Cola, Dabur, Haldiram, Bikanervala, Adani, Marico, and Reliance. Our platform enables these enterprises to meet their EPR obligations efficiently and effectively, making the entire process hassle-free.
At EcoEx, we are committed to providing top-notch services that support businesses in fulfilling their EPR liabilities. Our platform not only simplifies compliance but also contributes to sustainable waste management practices. By leveraging our extensive network and advanced technology, EcoEx continues to lead the way in EPR solutions and waste plastic commodity trade, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.
Q: With 5 lakh tons of plastic already exchanged, how do you envision the growth of this initiative over the next 5 to 10 years?
A: Founded five years ago, our company has been actively operational for the past three years, experiencing robust growth averaging 4 to 4.5 times annually. As we look forward to the current year, our projections indicate scaling up to processing one million tons of plastic, rubber, tires, and e-waste. However, navigating the regulatory landscape has been a journey, with government mandates introduced in 2016 gaining full enforcement momentum only in 2021.
The challenge lies in the disparity between current registrations and potential participants. Presently, despite India’s vast industrial landscape, only about 35,000 entities are registered on the Pollution Control Board’s dashboard. This number pales in comparison to the millions of industrial hubs that could benefit from compliance and participation. The future growth trajectory of our company hinges not just on our internal expansion but also on the increasing number of entities joining the regulatory fold.
Looking ahead, we anticipate exponential growth in the volume of plastic generated and recycled. Today, the CPCB portal records approximately 4 million tons of plastic waste annually. We project this figure could double, potentially reaching 9 to 10 million tons as environmental consciousness and regulatory compliance improve.
Furthermore, with an expected influx of 100,000 new registrations on the Pollution Control Board, companies like ours are poised for continued robust growth. We foresee sustaining annual growth rates of 4 to 5 times over the next five to six years, driven by both our operational capabilities and the expanding regulatory framework.
Q: Can you share insights on whether similar programs are being implemented in other countries?
A: EPR initiatives have been integral to environmental stewardship efforts globally, with their origins tracing back to Australia and the United Kingdom, where they were pioneered nearly a decade ago. However, the adoption of EPR has historically varied across countries. Over the past three to four years, particularly following the landmark COP26 and COP27 climate conferences, EPR has gained prominence as a critical component of sustainable waste management strategies worldwide.
In advanced economies, such as those in Europe and North America, established Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) manage the recycling and compliance obligations of brands that use plastics in their packaging. These PROs oversee the collection, recycling, and documentation of materials, ensuring that brands meet their EPR obligations effectively.
Conversely, in developing regions, the implementation of EPR frameworks is gradually gaining momentum. Recently, during my participation in the Southern Africa Development Council meeting in Zambia, supported initiatives funded by the World Bank highlighted significant strides towards integrating EPR into national waste management strategies. This underscores a growing recognition among emerging economies of the benefits of structured EPR frameworks in reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable development.
Moreover, our engagement in tender processes across countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda underscores a burgeoning demand for expertise in guiding comprehensive EPR implementations. These opportunities extend beyond plastics to encompass a wide range of products, reflecting a global shift towards more holistic environmental governance and responsibility among manufacturers and policymakers alike.
In summary, while some countries are at varying stages of adopting EPR, recent global developments indicate a collective movement towards integrating robust EPR frameworks into national environmental policies, necessitating collaborative efforts to ensure effective implementation across diverse socio-economic contexts.
29 Comments
Merely a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style and design. “Justice is always violent to the party offending, for every man is innocent in his own eyes.” by Daniel Defoe.
Excellent blog here! Also your site loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
I think this is one of the most important info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to look it over. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Wonderful blog and brilliant design.
Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your website in internet explorer, would test this… IE still is the market leader and a huge portion of people will miss your great writing due to this problem.
Thank you for sharing with us, I believe this website genuinely stands out : D.
Absolutely composed articles, regards for selective information. “The earth was made round so we would not see too far down the road.” by Karen Blixen.
I am glad to be a visitor of this consummate site! , thanks for this rare info ! .
Good write-up, I¦m regular visitor of one¦s web site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
This website is mostly a walk-by means of for the entire info you needed about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and also you’ll undoubtedly uncover it.
Keep working ,splendid job!
Good V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?
Thank you so much for providing individuals with remarkably wonderful chance to read in detail from this site. It’s usually very useful and jam-packed with fun for me personally and my office peers to search the blog at minimum thrice weekly to read through the new guides you have got. And indeed, I am also always fulfilled concerning the breathtaking tips and hints served by you. Certain 2 areas in this posting are absolutely the finest we’ve had.
Hi there would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a reasonable price? Kudos, I appreciate it!
I like this site so much, saved to bookmarks.
Your home is valueble for me. Thanks!…
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is great, as well as the content!
There are certainly quite a lot of particulars like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to convey up. I provide the ideas above as basic inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you carry up the place the most important thing will be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around things like that, but I am positive that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Each girls and boys feel the impression of just a second’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
I am not certain the place you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend a while studying much more or working out more. Thank you for fantastic information I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.
so much superb information on here, : D.
excellent issues altogether, you just won a new reader. What would you recommend about your post that you made a few days ago? Any certain?
I wanted to send a small message so as to express gratitude to you for all of the superb solutions you are sharing at this site. My extended internet search has finally been recognized with incredibly good ideas to talk about with my partners. I ‘d believe that most of us visitors are really fortunate to exist in a wonderful community with very many marvellous individuals with very helpful concepts. I feel extremely grateful to have seen the web page and look forward to tons of more awesome moments reading here. Thanks once more for all the details.
My husband and i felt joyous that Jordan could conclude his researching from the precious recommendations he obtained out of the web page. It is now and again perplexing to just choose to be giving freely guides some others might have been making money from. And we all know we’ve got the website owner to be grateful to for that. These illustrations you have made, the straightforward site menu, the relationships you can help instill – it is everything sensational, and it’s really letting our son in addition to our family know that this idea is awesome, which is certainly rather mandatory. Thanks for all the pieces!
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My blog addresses a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!
I precisely desired to thank you very much once again. I am not sure what I might have used without the entire advice documented by you over this field. It has been a very challenging dilemma for me personally, however , observing this skilled way you managed the issue forced me to jump for contentment. I am happier for your help and then pray you know what a great job you have been undertaking educating some other people by way of your web blog. I’m certain you’ve never come across any of us.
It?¦s in reality a great and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this useful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.