Achieving Zero Waste: Vedanta deploys new Waste Management facility in Odisha

Vedanta Aluminium celebrates Earth Day 2023
Vedanta Aluminium celebrates Earth Day 2023

Vedanta Aluminium, one of India’s largest producer of aluminium, has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to building a sustainable future by deploying a new Material Recovery Facility at its operations in Jharsuguda district, Odisha. This new facility is a major step towards the company’s goal of achieving ‘Zero Waste,’ and has already resulted in significant energy savings and carbon emissions mitigation.

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminum producer, unveiled a new Material Recovery Facility in Jharsuguda district to mark Earth Day 2023. This plant is designed to segregate and process waste into useful materials, bringing the company one step closer to its goal of achieving “Zero Waste”. In March 2023, the facility processed 27,828 kgs of dry and wet waste, generating recyclable materials like bio-compost and briquettes. These materials are commonly used for horticulture activities. Vedanta Aluminium sends any non-recyclable waste generated to cement industries for co-processing, thus promoting a circular economy within India’s manufacturing landscape.

The Material Recovery Facility has mitigated over 34,820 kgs of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, while also saving around 48,735 kWh of energy by diverting waste from landfills towards more useful avenues. Energy savings can power 100 LED-TVs for 6090 hrs, 100 laptops for 8120 hrs, and 1000 LED-bulbs for 6090 hrs. Vedanta Aluminium commits to creating a sustainable future where business needs and the planet’s needs exist in perfect harmony. Moreover, the Material Recovery Facility is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

On the occasion, Mr. Rahul Sharma, CEO – Aluminium Business, Vedanta Ltd. said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we are committed to creating a sustainable future where business needs grow in perfect harmony with the planet’s needs. Several cutting-edge applications utilize Aluminium, which experts acknowledge as one of the crucial metals that will lead the global transition to a low-carbon future. Therefore, Aluminium is ‘the metal of the future’ in more ways than one. We aim to create long-term value for all our stakeholders while minimizing our impact on the environment through our organizational efforts. We promote sustainable practices in our communities, striving together for a greener planet and a shared goal.”

Mr. Rahul Sharma, CEO – Aluminium Business, Vedanta Ltd.
Rahul Sharma, CEO – Aluminium Business, Vedanta Ltd.

Vedanta Aluminium’s Earth Day Initiatives

Vedanta Aluminium organised several volunteering and awareness initiatives on Earth Day. The aim was to sensitise employees, business partners and local communities about individual responsibility towards preserving planet Earth. Employee volunteers partnered with State Forest Department officials to undertake a clean-up drive at Singhabaga. An important wetland area that is home to several species of migratory birds. Employees at BALCO, the company’s subsidiary in Korba, Chhattisgarh, received insights on integrating environment-friendly practices into their daily lives. The company celebrated the occasion with local community members and collaborated with officials from the State Forest Department. They also shared with them the importance of forests and sustainable sources of livelihood linked to forests.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for the aluminium industry recognized Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to sustainable development, ranking it second globally. The company produces more than half of India’s aluminum, manufacturing 2.29 million tonnes in FY23. Additionally, it is a leader in value-added aluminum products that find critical applications in core industries. With its world-class aluminum smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants located in India. Vedanta Aluminium promotes use of aluminum as the “Metal of the Future” for a sustainable future.