In the wake of India’s e-waste predicament, Hindalco Industries is poised to revolutionise the issue with an eco-friendly and economically sustainable approach. The issue of electronic waste, or e-waste, has escalated in tandem with the rapid pace of technological innovation.
India is currently the world’s third-largest e-waste producer, churning out almost 2 million tonne annually. This crisis not only places enormous pressure on the environment but also endangers the health of those engaged in informal recycling activities.
India’s surging consumption of electronic products encompasses more than 17 million television sets, 148 million smartphones, 14 million refrigerators, 19 million audio devices, and 6.5 million washing machines sold each year. Another troubling aspect is that India has unwittingly turned into a dumping ground for e-waste from developed nations. Hidden within this avalanche of waste are precious metals like copper, gold, silver and more.
A recent report by the India Cellular and Electronics Association, titled ‘Pathways to Circular Economy in Indian Electronics Sector’, identified six circular business models within the electronics industry: circular design, product-as-a-service, repair, resell, refurbishment and recycle.
Hindalco’s innovative approach aims to tap into this potential by implementing circular design principles and recycling strategies. By doing so, they aspire to not only mitigate India’s e-waste crisis but also transform it into a sustainable economic opportunity.
This initiative not only promises environmental benefits but also a significant boost to India’s economy while ensuring the responsible management of precious resources.
