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  • Legal action critical for sustainable development: Induslaw’s Saurav Kumar

    Legal action critical for sustainable development: Induslaw’s Saurav Kumar

    Robust waste management techniques coupled with innovation for eco-friendly alternatives will surely orchestrate a sustainable future.

    Concurrent with technological innovation, legal action is critical for sustainable development. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 are playing a pivotal role in creating more accountability of producers, importers and brand owners (PIBOs) of goods in the end-of-life of their plastic products.

    To this end, the “Extended Producer Responsibility” framework prescribes yearly targets to different classes of PIBOs, to ensure that they are focussing on recycling and reusing plastic.

      Robust waste management techniques coupled with innovation for eco-friendly alternatives will surely orchestrate a sustainable future.

    On the other hand, Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) ESG disclosure and transparency is becoming the new normal for businesses in India.

    By reporting their environmental impact, social initiatives, and governance practices, organizations are fostering trust, accountability, and informed decision-making among investors, consumers, and stakeholders.

    Saurav Kumar, Partner, INDUSLAW

  • Corporates celebrate World Environment Day

    Corporates celebrate World Environment Day

    Corporates like CNH Industrial and JK Tyre and Industries celebrate the 50th World Environment Day.

    JK Tyre & Industries

    According to JK Tyre & Industries Manufacturing Director Anil K Makkar, the company has been constantly instilling proactive steps towards a greener and sustainable future.

    “In our progressive journey, sustainability is at the centre-stage. In the next five years, we hope to increase the percentage of power usage at our manufacturing facilities from 53% to 75% through renewable sources,”

    By 2050, the company aims to become a carbon-neutral company by integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices.

    “While we at JK tyre are already a global benchmark on specific raw water consumption, our efforts to attain newer milestones will continue to save this precious drop of life and our environment,” Makkar said in a statement.

    CNH Industrial

    Narinder Mittal, Country Manager and Managing Director – Agriculture Business, CNH Industrial India & SAARC said the company is dedicated to breaking new ground in both innovation and environmental responsibility.

    “From advanced agricultural machinery that promotes precision farming and reduces resource consumption, to our electric and hybrid machines that are redefining the construction industry, we are proud to play an active role in reducing emissions and conserving natural resources,” he said.

      Through ongoing efforts in India, including reducing carbon emissions through solar energy in our plants, supporting water conservation initiatives in nearby villages, preventing stubble burning through our crop residue management in more than 10 locations, and implementing the Miyawaki forest project with a plantation of over 10000 trees, the company is working towards a greener and more sustainable future, he said.

    “This World Environment Day, we reaffirm our dedication to further adapt to sustainable practices” he added.

    Pakka Ltd

    Jagdeep Hira, Business Head of Pakka Ltd said: “In our product development process, we ensure that we minimise waste generation. We’re steadily moving towards the goal of net zero carbon emission, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

  • “Single day not sufficient to address critical environment issues”

    “Single day not sufficient to address critical environment issues”

    Our environment, be it in India or across the globe needs our unwavering attention.

    As the world celebrates the 50th World Environment Day with ‘beat plastic pollution’ as the focus, the kind of impact it should have had in 50 years on issues like wildlife, biodiversity, forests and water conservation is clearly missing. Be it plastic pollution, loss of vegetation and biodiversity, air and water pollution, climate change, perishing wildlife, there are so many critical environmental issues that a single day in the year will not suffice.

    Every day needs to be treated as a day for the environment so that we could truly reach a stage where it is a matter of celebration for all of us. Our environment, be it in India or across the globe needs our unwavering attention.

    The governments (states and centres), local authorities, industry owners, citizens, non-governmental organisations – every stakeholder across the globe needs to work in consonance with the other to ensure that we save our environment and this planet.

    If only we succeed, we would have a reason to celebrate World Environment Day. Until then we need to treat it as a serious responsibility which needs to be discharged on a daily basis.

      Nawneet Vibhaw, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

  • PepsiCo Foundation organizes tree plantation drive in Mathura

    PepsiCo Foundation organizes tree plantation drive in Mathura

    During the program, poster-making competition and flower-pot painting was conducted along with a rally to educate the villagers on the changing effects of the environment.

    On the occasion of World Environment Day, Pandit Jagat Ram Memorial Force Trust and PepsiCo Foundation organized a tree plantation drive in Sacholi village of Nandgaon block in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh.

    “It is everyone’s responsibility to save the environment and driving public awareness is the most effective way to bring this much-needed change,” said UP cabinet minister Nardev Chaudhary said on the occasion.

    The villagers of the countryside must make a valuable contribution in planting trees and stop cutting down the trees to ensure that our earth is green and full of trees, he said and added planting trees is the most necessary action one can take to make the vision of green earth a reality.

    PepsiCo India, Chief Government Affairs and Communications Officer Garima Singh said: “We encourage communities to join hands and make the sustainable protection of our environment a top priority, enabling us to achieve this goal.”

     Also present at the event, Rajkumar Pathak, Range Officer, Forest Department, urged citizens to take a pledge to plant trees every year and Vijay Kumar Agarwal, BDO of Nandgaon Block, educated the attendees on the importance of saving the environment, driving awareness among communities on protecting trees and plants.

     During the program, poster-making competition and flower-pot painting was conducted along with a rally to educate the villagers on the changing effects of the environment. Workers from Pandit Jagat Ram Memorial Force Trust also contributed to the various activities held on-ground to celebrate World Environment Day.

  • Axis Bank organizes cleanliness drive across 25 beaches, water bodies till June 11

    Axis Bank organizes cleanliness drive across 25 beaches, water bodies till June 11

    The initiative will cover across 20 cities including Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna, etc.

    Private lender Axis Bank has kick started Clean-A-thon, a pan–India cleanliness drive across 25 plus beaches and water bodies and will continue till June 11.

     The initiative will cover across 20 cities including Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna, etc., in collaboration with local NGOs, the bank said in a statement.

    The aim to to emphasize the urgency of combating plastic pollution and promoting responsible waste management practices.

     The cleanliness drive will witness participation from Bank’s branch employees, local communities, environmental activists/influencers, local authorities and volunteers who will be collecting and disposing plastic waste from beaches and water bodies.

    These volunteers will also educate the local people about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and how they can reduce the use of single-use plastics.

    Speaking about the initiative Ravi Narayanan, Group Executive – Branch Banking, Retail Liabilities & Product, Axis Bank said, “We firmly believe that the responsibility to protect our planet lies with each one of us, and through this initiative, we aim to instill a sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility amongst fellow citizens.”

    This initiative will add to several ongoing global efforts for a greener and more sustainable future, re-affirming our commitment to build a safe and healthier planet that we owe to the generations which follow us, he added.

  • Coca Cola India launches Kinley bottles made from 100% recycled PET

    Coca Cola India launches Kinley bottles made from 100% recycled PET

    rPET bottles are made from food grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The use of rPET bottles not only conserves natural resources but also reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the larger ecosystem.

    Coca-Cola India today launched new bottles made from 100 percent recycled PET plastic material (rPET) in Andhra Pradesh. This is the first time in India that any bottle made with 100 percent rPET is being used for food/beverage.

     “The new rPET packaging is available for the company’s packaged drinking water brand, Kinley, in 1 litre bottles,” the company said in a statement.

    The new bottle features a unique label displaying “100% made from recycled food grade plastic”, marking a major milestone for Coca-Cola in India in realizing its circular economy endeavours, it said.

    This was possible only after the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) approved the use of recycled PET in food packaging, subject to adherence to their guidelines, after a thorough review of food safety, it added.

    Enrique Ackermann, Vice President, Technical and Innovation, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia said, “We are proud to be the first beverage company in India to offer our consumers a sustainable choice of packaging, by launching Kinley bottles made from 100% recycled PET.”

    In December 2022, Coca-Cola Bangladesh launched 100 per cent rPET bottles, making it the first market in the Southwest Asia (SWA) region to introduce Kinley water bottles in 2-liter packages. The Coca-Cola company now offers 100 percent rPET bottles in more than about 40 markets.

    Aligned with its global commitment of creating a ‘World Without Waste’, the company has set a goal of using at least 50 percent recycled content in its packaging by 2030; working towards using more recycled content in its packaging.

    The company has been working towards this goal for years and has made consistent progress in reducing the use of virgin plastic across its value chain globally.

    Currently, 90 percent of the company’s packaging is recyclable while 15 per cent of PET used is recycled (rPET) across the globe. rPET bottles are made from food grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

     When PET bottles are recycled, the plastic is recycled as per the technologies that are approved by US FDA and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for food grade recycled material, and reformed into new PET bottles, reducing the need for virgin plastic for producing PET Bottles.

    The use of rPET bottles not only conserves natural resources but also reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the larger ecosystem, the company added.

  • About 174 applications of CSR-related defaults in process of compounding

    About 174 applications of CSR-related defaults in process of compounding

    So far, sanction for prosecution has been accorded in 366 cases. Of these, 174 applications for compounding have been made.

    About 174 applications of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)-related defaults are in the process of compounding, according to the data maintained by the Minsitry of Corporate Affairs.

    Earlier, CSR related defaults were compoundable offences. So far, sanction for prosecution has been accorded in 366 cases. “Of these, 174 applications for compounding have been made and 121 cases have been compounded,” the data showed.

    Now, the non-compliance of CSR provisions has been converted as a civil wrong with effect from January, 22 2021.

    The penal provision related to violation of CSR provision with respect to CSR expenditure is provided under Section 135 (7) of the Act. As per the existing provision, penalty is prescribed against the company and every officer in default which is determined on the basis of unspent CSR amount of the company.

    The broad framework for CSR has been provided under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, Schedule VII of the Act and Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014. The CSR framework is disclosure-based and CSR mandated companies are required to file details of CSR activities annually in the MCA21 registry.

    The government monitors the compliance of CSR provisions through the disclosures made by the companies in the MCA21 portal.

    Whenever any violation of CSR provisions is reported, action against such non-compliant companies is initiated as per provisions of the act after due examination of records and following due process of law.

  • Apollo Hospitals Foundation to plant 90,000 trees in Andhra Pradesh

    Apollo Hospitals Foundation to plant 90,000 trees in Andhra Pradesh

    The trees are being planted across Aragonda village and will offset a carbon footprint of 3,800 tonne. Each sapling is geo-tagged to track maintenance and growth.

    The Apollo Hospitals Foundation has decided to plant 90,000 trees in Aragonda village in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh in partnership with the state’s forest department in order reduce carbon emissions, preserve wildlife habitats, and improve air quality for local communities.

      “This initiative is a step towards mitigating the impact of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future,” Apollo Hospitals Group Chairman Dr Prathap C Reddy said in a statement.

      The tree planting initiative was taken as part of Apollo Hospitals Group Chairman’s 90th birthday celebration, said Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals’ CSR.

      The state forest department will provide saplings native to the region, and the Apollo Foundation will manage plantation and maintenance.

      The plantation drive will use Miyawaki forest models to bring back native trees of the region and monitor survival rates through geo-tagging of each plant.

      According to the Foundation, the 90,000 trees are being planted across Aragonda to offset the Apollo Hospitals Groups Carbon footprint by 3800 tonne.

      This project aligns with Apollo Foundations’ long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability. The company remains dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a greener future for a healthier tomorrow.

  • DMK leader asks if govt plans to use CSR funds of ONGC for upcoming South Indian Kumbh Mela

    DMK leader asks if govt plans to use CSR funds of ONGC for upcoming South Indian Kumbh Mela

    Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli replied that CSR is a Board-driven process and the Board is empowered to plan, approve, execute and monitor the CSR activities based on the recommendations of its CSR committee.

    DMK leader S Kalyanasundaram in the Rajya Sabha asked the government if it plans to utilise the CSR funds of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for the upcoming South Indian Kumbh Mela called as MAHAMAHAM, to be held in 2028.

    He also asked if the funds will be utilised for the upgradation of basic civic amenities such as beautification of the areas around the temples, building of dharamshalas for the pilgrims, upgradation of railway stations, bus stands and other public transport and hospitals.

    Replying to the written question, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli said Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a Board-driven process and the Board of the company is empowered to plan, approve, execute and monitor the CSR activities based on the recommendations of its CSR Committee.

    Oil and Gas Public Sector Undertakings undertake CSR activities under the heads identified under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 with special focus on Health (Nutrition, Sanitation, and Drinking Water), Education, Skill Development, Rural Development, Women Empowerment, Environment Oriented Initiatives and Care for the Elderly and Differently-abled Persons, he responded.

  • Godrej Agrovet gets certification under IPOS framework for adopting sustainable practices

    Godrej Agrovet gets certification under IPOS framework for adopting sustainable practices

    The IPOS Framework, established by the edible oils industry body SEA with assistance from Solidaridad, the Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, and SOPOPRAD, has been created for the Indian industry and lays down a set of environment friendly, economically viable and socially beneficial practices and guidelines.

    Godrej Agrovet has become the first company in the country to be awarded a verification Certification under the Indian Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) Framework, issued by an independent international certification body, in recognition of the sustainable practices adopted by its oil palm business.

    The certification was presented to Godrej Agrovet’s oil palm plantation business CEO Sougata Niyogi, the company said in a statement.

     India, the world’s largest consumer of palm oil, is pushing ahead with its own ambitious plans to boost its production of the commodity.

     The IPOS Framework, established by the edible oils industry body Solvent Extractors Association of India with assistance from Solidaridad, the Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, and SOPOPRAD, has been created for the Indian industry and lays down a set of environment friendly, economically viable and socially beneficial practices and guidelines.

     It is aimed at facilitating the well-being of farmers while ensuring that the growth is sustainable from environmental and social perspectives.

      Godrej Agrovet’s CEO, Oil Palm Plantation, Sougata Niyogi said “With more than thirty years of experience in the oil palm business, Godrej Agrovet is the largest developer and producer of Crude Palm Oil in India. The business plays a vital role in driving sustainability agenda in the production of Oil Palm and has therefore strived towards educating farmers on sustainable palm oil cultivation practices on a continuous basis.”

    “This certification is a result of our commitment in supporting farmers to enhance their farm management skills that lead to improved productivity. We are grateful to the Indian Palm Oil Sustainability Framework (IPOS) for recognizing our efforts and look forward to achieving greater milestones in the near future,” he added

    Over the years, Godrej Agrovet has developed plantations across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram. Recently, Godrej Agrovet, has signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with Assam, Manipur and Tripura State governments for development and promotion of oil palm cultivation in the region under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) scheme.

    The MoUs signed are in line with the company’s long-term strategy to be the catalyst of India’s edible oil mission through sustainable growth of oil palm production and doubling of farmers’ income.