Indian Chemical Council (ICC) emphasizes focus on environment sustainability to build a globally competitive Chemical Industry

New Delhi, 7^th November 2019: Indian Chemical Council (ICC), the apex body of the Indian Chemical Industry successfully hosted a two day long insightful conclave on environment sustainability on 4^th – 5^th November 2019, New Delhi. The conclave brought eminent personalities from across the globe on a common platform including key policy makers to discuss the significance and future of the Indian Chemical Industry. Being jointly organized with United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and with support of Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers – GoI, the programme aimed to discuss solutions and initiatives for environmentally sound management of chemicals and work together with important stakeholders towards Sustainable Development across the globe. The conclave witnessed active participation and inputs from key speakers like Shri Prakash Javadekar (Hon’ble Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GoI), Shri P R Rao (Secretary, DCPc, Government of India), Mr. Ravi Kapoor (Chairman, Sustainability Expert Committee, Indian Chemical Council), Ms. Neena Singh (Managing Partner, ERM India), Mr. Vijay Sankar (President, Indian Chemical Council), Ms. Renata Lok-Dessallien (United Nations Resident Cordinator for India), Mr. Ajay Durrani (Managing Director, Covestro India), Ms. Jacqueline Alvarez (Acting Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, UNEP),  and Mr Rakesh Bhartia (CEO, India Glycols Ltd).

Indian chemical industry is an industry-of-industries with a combined turnover of USD 160 billion which is growing at 100 basis points more than the economic growth of the country. With ICC Sustainability Conclave, renowned decision makers from the ministry and the industry came together to initiate actionable conversation around severe issues that the country is facing in terms of pollution and climate change. In order to achieve business growth with environmental sustainability, there is strong need to integrate responsible care which needs to be initiated by the industry leaders.

“This initiative to encourage sustainable management of the entire lifecycle of chemicals is a priority area for the manufacturers, producers and consumers alike. The chemical industry must strive for enhancing the sustainability of chemicals. Contribution of the chemical industry is vital for environmental management of chemicals to prevent pollution of underground and running water. I am sure that the deliberations at the Conclave will inspire the chemical industry to make a more meaningful and lasting contribution in keeping our planet greener and cleaner for the generations to come,” stated Shri. Narendra Modi, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India in his message sent to Indian Chemical Council.

“There is a strong need for Responsible Care and Self-Regulatory mechanism as the country won't progress without it. In order to develop a strong force for the betterment of the Indian Chemical Industry, there is a need to build an institutional mechanism. Currently, plastic is indispensable, but a lack of its appropriate collection and disposal has created a major problem for the environment. We need to see the behaviour of the industry-changing, as also of the consumers. There is a need to change the habit and become a responsible citizen by responsibly handling plastics and water because these are the two most essential components required for the growth of Indian Chemical Industry”, said Shri. Prakash Javadekar, Hon'ble Minister for Environment Forest & Climate Change, GoI.

“We need to ensure that we create a sustainable atmosphere in the country to attract investments. Everything that the Indian Government and the Stakeholders from all sectors are doing in terms of investments and policies always remain inclined towards the protection of the environment to build a greener world for us to live in. The key objective of the Indian Chemical Industry is to establish India as one of the strong countries globally instead of relying on neighbouring countries,” said Shri P R Rao, Secretary, Department of Chemical & Petrochemical, Government of India.

“The chemical industry is going to be a key growth element of the Indian Economy to achieve the Government’s vision to make India a 5 trillion dollar economy by 2024-25. With chemicals increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives, it is important that we create a sustainable ecosystem. It is essential that we build an environmentally conscious industry that can yet be globally competitive”, said Mr. Vijay Sankar, President, Indian Chemical Council.