One of the biggest challenges for the chemical industry is the safe and effective management of products throughout their lifecycle. As an environmental management strategy, product stewardship makes the products safer for people and the planet, from design to disposal. 

 

In this context, India's leading chemical players shared their vision and strategies at the session on “Product Stewardship- Going beyond the regulatory landscape.” The session was moderated by Shisher Kumra, Executive Director, GPC Group.

 

The discussion was held on the sidelines of the 4th edition of Indian Chemicals Council (ICC) Sustainability Conclave held in New Delhi on November 17-18, 2022. 

 

“The product stewardship, moving beyond sustainability, prioritization, commercial product screening, and product risk characterization are our broader areas of focus. In accordance with the EU green deal that aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070 and 50% emission by 2045, we are coming up with a draft on new parameters. Our priority is to reduce the use of chemicals of concern, life cycle assessment, SEBI introduced mechanism, risk management measures, and product designing itself. If the raw material is chosen carefully it helps in better recycling and circularity,” said Rahul Yadav, Chief Manager, Regulatory Compliance, Gujarat Fluorochemicals.

 

On making DHS mandatory, Yadav feels that education is more important as the legislative intervention will be harsh. “Gradual implementation should be the way forward. The value chain communication is an important aspect and so is the platform availability for sharing information. We must remember that product stewardship is a journey beyond regulatory compliance,” added Yadav.

 

Sharing his thoughts on setting standards to decarbonize the chemical industry, Kushal Singh, Director - CSR & Sustainability, Merck India said, “Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is the measurement of information on product impact on climate, from entire cradle to grave. Determining PCF in totality helps us in deciding the amount of emission in a product. There is a challenge of measuring Scope 3 emissions as there are 7% of emissions globally by the chemical industry. PCF guidelines have been released by Together for Sustainability (TfS), a sustainability initiative and global network of 37 companies. It is a gold standard created by experts. There are five practice oriented chapters.”

 

“To make the DHS mandatory or allow self certification is being discussed. The latter is possible but I need to change the mindset. SMEs can’t wait to be left in lurch in case there are stringent actions. In that case big players need to support,” added Singh.

 

On the question of making the DHS mandatory or going for self certification, Dr. Erika Kunz, Head-Global Product Stewardship, Clariant said, “We are in a global world and if you have to do business you need to look at broader levels. The product stewardship if it comes naturally would be great but meeting the global standards is equally important.”

 

The two day conclave themed, ‘Boardrooms to Community - ESG, Carbon Neutrality, Operational Safety, Greener Solutions.’ It was broadly focused on the topics such as ESG in Boardrooms: Vision and Strategies for value creation; Decarbonizing the Chemical Sector: Reflections to Actions Product; Stewardship: Going beyond Regulatory Landscape; Unlocking the potential of Digital Transformation for Sustainability; Exploring Green Growth Opportunities: Solutions & Technologies; Leveraging Cleaner Energy Transitions; Safety promotes Sustainability; Embracing Net-Zero Transition: Risks & Opportunities; and Session by UNEP - Plastic Pollution: Strengthening the Role of the Industry.

 

Various speakers expressed their views on climate, sustainable development and the steps that could be taken in this direction. CEOs and representatives of the Indian and global chemical companies, people working in EHS dept. in companies; Central and State Government officials, Pollution Control Boards, international multilateral organizations, Global chemical industry bodies and experts from Academia and civil society organizations are participating in the event.