The government, industry and consumers have significant influence in shaping a healthier future by adopting balanced packaging through formulation of policies, innovations and creating demand for such products, Mulu Bera said
Gujarat's Forest and Environment Minister, Mulu Bera, emphasised the importance of sustainable packaging in preserving the planet and fostering innovation.
Speaking at a seminar titled 'Sustainable Packaging: Rethinking Packaging for Greener Tomorrow,' organised as part of the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, the minister highlighted the role of government, industry, and consumers in influencing a healthier future through policies, innovations, and demand for eco-friendly products.
Scheduled from January 10 to 12 in Gandhinagar, the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit aims to promote sustainable practises. Minister Bera called for a societal shift towards eco-friendly packaging methods to mitigate environmental impact, emphasising that sustainable packaging is not just a responsibility but an opportunity for innovation and progress.
Acknowledging the escalating impact of climate change in recent decades, Minister Bera urged industry leaders to chart a roadmap for balanced development. He emphasised the collective influence of the government, industry, and consumers in shaping a healthier future, particularly through the adoption of balanced packaging practises.
The minister highlighted the government's commitment to formulating policies that encourage environmentally friendly practises. He urged industries to innovate in packaging solutions, recognising the significant role consumer preferences play in driving demand for sustainable products.
Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Secretary of Forest and Environment, noted that 70 percent of the country's recyclers are based in Gujarat. Addressing the seminar, he shared that 36 percent of the plastic produced in Gujarat is used for packaging, with 85 percent of it ending up as landfill waste. Gujarat has 13 plants dedicated to the co-processing of plastic waste in cement industries, contributing to processing approximately 9.6 million MT of plastic waste from 2009 to 2023.
Minister Bera also highlighted the state forest department's recent campaign to collect waste along the Girnar pilgrimage route in Junagadh district. More than 50 tonnes of waste, primarily plastic packaging remnants, were collected, underscoring the need for sustainable practises.
The seminar provided a platform to discuss and reflect on these issues, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable packaging practises for a greener and cleaner future.