The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted its 5th International Conference on the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, focusing on “Revolutionizing Mobility: Shaping the Automotive Industry for a Sustainable and Circular Future.” The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, experts, and thought leaders to discuss environment-friendly mobility systems, circular economy practices, and accelerating sustainable actions within the sector.
The conference featured a street play performed by Gyan Mandir Public School students, shedding light on plastic pollution and encouraging awareness. A painting competition titled “Nature’s Palette” was also organized, and nine students from various schools in Delhi NCR were awarded prizes for their contributions.
The event featured four important sessions aimed at advancing sustainability in the automotive industry. These sessions were designed to explore the industry’s role in reducing environmental impact and fostering circularity. The sessions addressed a variety of themes, ranging from waste management to recycling technologies, all aimed at promoting a greener and more sustainable future.
The first session, “Empowering Individuals for Responsible Waste Management,” was aligned with India’s Mission LiFE. The session focused on encouraging individuals and communities to take proactive steps in managing waste responsibly. It highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in creating a sustainable environment, urging participants to adopt practices that contribute to waste reduction and efficient resource use.
The second session centered on “Reducing Plastic Footprint in the Automotive Industry & Global Best Practices.” This session explored strategies to reduce plastic usage and minimize the automotive sector’s environmental footprint. Presenters shared insights on sustainable material alternatives, the role of biodegradable plastics, and the integration of plastics into the circular economy, highlighting best practices from around the world.
Another important session addressed “Innovative Tire and Used Oil Recycling Technologies.” This session focused on emerging solutions for recycling tires and used oils, both of which are major contributors to environmental degradation. The discussion emphasized how new technologies could significantly reduce the automotive industry’s impact on the environment while promoting more sustainable practices in manufacturing and waste management.
The final session on “Driving Battery and E-Waste Recycling Practices in the Automotive Sector” highlighted the growing need for sustainable e-waste management. With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the need to address battery recycling has become more pressing. Experts discussed the regulatory frameworks, new technologies, and practices aimed at improving the management of battery waste and electronic components in the automotive industry.
In his opening address, Shailesh Chandra, President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, outlined the key actions needed to drive circularity in the automotive sector. He emphasized that a robust policy framework is essential to encourage Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to adopt lightweight technologies and efficient vehicle lifecycle management. Mr Chandra also stressed the need for mechanisms to promote the scrapping of end-of-life vehicles and for strengthening recycling infrastructure through joint industry-government campaigns.
The conference also featured perspectives from global leaders. Guest of Honour Kenneth Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, shared insights into Brazil’s upcoming role in hosting COP30 in 2025. He emphasized the importance of accelerating economic transformation and promoting greener mobility solutions. “We are prioritizing carbon efficiency, recyclability, and safety,” Mr Nóbrega stated, highlighting the need for international collaboration, particularly between Brazil and India, to achieve sustainable mobility goals.
Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Heavy Industries, also underscored India’s commitment to sustainability. He spoke about the country’s push towards cleaner technologies, including biofuels and hydrogen adoption. Dr Qureshi noted that India had already achieved over 20% ethanol blending in fuel and was making significant strides in developing flex-fuel engines, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable mobility.
Abhay Bakre, Director of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, provided an update on India’s advancements in green hydrogen and electric vehicle technology. He highlighted the rapid growth of the hydrogen vehicle sector and the expanding green hydrogen infrastructure in India. “By 2035, we expect a significant number of hydrogen vehicles on our roads, supported by decentralized green hydrogen refueling infrastructure,” Mr Bakre explained, showcasing India’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable energy.
In his closing remarks, Rajesh Menon, Director General of SIAM, reminded participants of the importance of sustainability and the role of the automotive industry in achieving environmental goals. He emphasized that World Environment Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect nature and stated that SIAM remains fully committed to advancing cleaner powertrains and driving circularity within the sector.
The thematic sessions at the conference offered a deep dive into various aspects of sustainability in the automotive industry. One key session, focused on reducing the plastic footprint, was chaired by Vikram Gulati. This session covered sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, as well as the role of biodegradable plastics in reducing waste. Discussions also explored how the automotive sector can integrate plastics into a circular economy to minimize environmental impact.
Another thematic session, chaired by Rajendra Petkar, addressed the innovative technologies emerging for recycling tires and used oils. The automotive industry is heavily reliant on these materials, which have a significant environmental impact when not properly managed. This session presented several groundbreaking technologies that are being adopted to mitigate the industry’s environmental footprint, making tire and oil recycling more efficient and sustainable.
The third thematic session, chaired by Pamela Tikku, focused on the crucial issue of battery and e-waste recycling in the automotive sector. As electric vehicles become more widespread, managing the waste generated by batteries and electronic components is becoming increasingly important. Industry experts shared valuable insights on how to enhance recycling practices and create regulatory frameworks that ensure sustainable e-waste management in the automotive industry.
Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director of SIAM, concluded by sharing the organization’s commitment to advancing India’s sustainability goals. “Through initiatives like electrification, biofuels, and hydrogen, SIAM is driving sustainable mobility, and we are proud of the progress we have made so far,” he stated.
SIAM is dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality by 2070, with a strategic focus on decarbonization through the electrification of transportation, ethanol adoption, improved recycling practices, gas-based mobility infrastructure, and fostering green hydrogen technologies. These initiatives are aligned with India’s Vision for a sustainable, cleaner future and contribute significantly to the nation’s Viksit Bharat initiative by 2047.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is the apex body representing all major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. It aims to enhance the automotive industry’s contribution to India’s economic growth while promoting safety, environmental protection, and social responsibility. SIAM focuses on sustainable mobility solutions and plays a key role in India’s green transformation efforts.
