VDMA India have recognized the rise in global population and simultaneously the demand for resources, prompting a paradigm shift in the way economic activities are being approached. In response to this pressing need, the concept of the circular economy is emerging as a crucial foundation for sustainable development. The mechanical and plant engineering sector plays a pivotal role in steering this transformation toward circular practices, marking a departure from traditional linear models.
Identifying the burgeoning demand for circular economy solutions in the Indian market, the VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association, in collaboration with VDMA India, orchestrated the groundbreaking 1st VDMA International Conference on Circular Economy. This event served as a platform to showcase European technology as a holistic solution concept while fostering dialogue and sharing information on the imperative shift towards circular economic principles.
Attended by approximately 150 industry participants from across India, the conference proved to be a significant networking seminar. Central to its success were the presentations from 11 European companies, each unveiling cutting-edge technologies designed to catalyze the circular economy in India.
Thorsten Kühmann, a key initiator of the event, guided the proceedings with excellent moderation, steering the conversations toward actionable insights and collaborative opportunities. The conference kicked off with insightful keynote presentations from industry leaders, including Swarn Singh, Director of R&D at Kellogg Company; Sridhar J, Head of Packaging Development at Pureplay Skin Sciences (India) Private Limited; and Manish Patil, Packaging Director at L’Oréal. Their presentations shed light on the importance of adopting circular economy practices in the context of resource management and sustainable business operations.
The event was made possible through collaborative efforts, and the organizers expressed gratitude to their partners Nidhi Verma of ElitePlus Business Services and Manish Chawla of POLYMERS Communiqué for their valuable support. Among the distinguished speakers, Devendra Surana of MAGPET POLYMERS PRIVATE LIMITED, Aaron Steinle of AZO GmbH + Co. KG, Mehmet Kaya of Herbold Meckesheim GmbH, Marcel Willberg of Lindner Washtech, Josef Weber of Sesotec, Albrecht Schröder of KraussMaffei, Avinash Anand of ARBURG GmbH + Co KG, Sandip Roy, Rupashri Das, and Christy Shaji each contributed their expertise to the discourse.
The discussions ranged from the challenges and opportunities in plastic recycling to the evolving landscape of waste management. Presenters showcased technologies that address the entire lifecycle of materials, emphasizing the need to move beyond mere efficiency gains in raw material extraction and material processing. Instead, the focus is on adopting comprehensive circular economy practices that prioritize reducing, reusing, and recycling materials.
One notable aspect of the conference was the emphasis on collaboration and knowledge exchange. The European companies not only showcased their advanced technologies but also engaged in meaningful discussions with Indian industry participants. This exchange of ideas and expertise forms the foundation for potential collaborations that can drive the adoption of circular economy practices in India.
The event served as a catalyst for change, urging stakeholders in the Indian market to explore and embrace circular economy solutions. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, the conference stands as a testament to the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices and the pivotal role of technology in shaping a circular future.
The 1st VDMA International Conference on Circular Economy marked a significant milestone in advocating for sustainable practices in India’s manufacturing landscape. The collaboration between European and Indian entities showcased a shared commitment to transitioning toward circular economic principles, setting the stage for a more sustainable and resilient future. As the momentum for circular economy practices continues to grow, events like these play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and driving actionable change in the industry.
