wcef2026.com

ABOUT THE SESSION

This webinar is an accelerator session at the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 (wcef2026.com), jointly conducted by Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) and National Productivity Council, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

The discussion will highlight the critical role of cluster-based development, where common infrastructure, technology transfer, skills development, digital platforms, and access to finance enable MSMEs to improve productivity, meet international quality standards, and participate effectively in domestic and global value chains.

The session will also explore how stronger collaboration between producers, recyclers, technology providers, academia, and policymakers can unlock investments, foster innovation, and create resilient circular business ecosystems.

KEY DISCUSSION TOPICS

Plastic Recycling Clusters Development through common infrastructure, technology adoption, robust logistics networks and capacity building.
Policy Framework for Circular Economy Zone on the outskirts of the cities.
Development of robust digital monitoring, compliance, traceability, and reporting mechanisms across the plastics value chain using Blockchain technology.
Food-to-food plastic recycling (closed-loop packaging): Regulatory Horizons and Closing the Food Contact Loop
Enhancing implementation of Plastic Waste Management Rules and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Quality standards, testing, certification, and market acceptance of recycled plastics.
City- industry connect for recycling and supply of recycled product.
Creating enabling policy and investment frameworks that strengthen domestic and global markets for recycled plastics.
Building collaboration among producers, importers, brand owners, recyclers, technology providers, academia, policymakers, and financial institutions to scale circular plastics value chains.
Advancing recycling technologies and innovation for high-quality recycled plastics by Upcycling of the products.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Practical recommendations for scaling MSME-led circular plastics value chains.
Replicable cluster development models that improve recycling efficiency, competitiveness, and resource productivity.
Strengthened collaboration among industry, government, research institutions, and development partners.
Identification of opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and digital innovation in plastics recycling.
Actionable recommendations to enhance recycled-content utilisation, quality assurance, and market confidence.
New partnerships that support resilient and inclusive circular plastics ecosystems in India and other emerging economies.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Plastic manufacturers and brand owners
Plastic recyclers and MSMEs
Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs)
Technology providers and equipment manufacturers
Policymakers and regulators
Development organisations and financial institutions
Research institutions and academia
Standardisation Bodies
Industry associations and international circular economy practitioners

SESSION DETAILS

📅Date: 18th September, 2026

⏱️Time: 3:00 PM -5:15 PM

🔗Registration link: forms.gle/tgYA5nu5hqEY54rn6

SESSION SPEAKERS

G Thirumurthy (Sc. 'F'), I/c DH (UPC-II), CPCB, has extensive experience in environmental regulation, pollution control planning and waste-management frameworks. His work includes key areas such as Plastic Waste Management, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and regulatory implementation. He has also been actively involved in CPCB’s policy and enforcement initiatives concerning plastic waste and environmental compliance.

Dr Smita Mohanty, Principal Director & Head ( Senior Principal Scientist), CIPET, has extensive expertise in bio-polymers, composites and nanocomposites, polymer blends, recycling and waste management. Her work focuses on advancing innovative and sustainable polymer solutions and promoting circular approaches in plastics and materials management.

Mr. Praveen Yadav, Environmental Policy and Resource Efficiency Advisor, GIZ India, is a circular economy practitioner and policy advisor with extensive experience in translating policy into scalable, on-ground solutions. As an Advisor at GIZ, he supports EU–India circular economy and resource efficiency initiatives across sectors such as plastics, textiles, e-waste, and batteries.

Mr. Ulhas Parlikar, Director, MRAI, is a seasoned chemical engineer with over 43 years of experience in sustainable waste management, co-processing, and circular economy. He holds an M.Tech from IIT Madras and, as the former Director of the Geocycle Business at ACC Limited, played a pivotal role in scaling co-processing across India’s cement industry while also contributing significantly to the development of supportive policy frameworks.

Mr. Bhadresh Dodhia, Director - International Trade & Finance, Dodhia Group, currently oversees international, financial, and sustainability initiatives, spanning plastic recycling, chemicals and textiles. He has also pioneered investments in advanced recycling technology, enabling the efficient processing of large volumes of PET bottles and ensuring the production of high-quality rPET yarn.

Mr. K.D. Bharadwaj, Group Head & Director, Environment Climate Action, National Productivity Council, brings over 30 years of experience in environment, productivity, sustainability and management, including 20+ years with the National Productivity Council of India and 10 years with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), Tokyo. A recognized expert on 3R and Green Growth, he has worked extensively with UNEP and UNCRD on waste management, circular economy, resource efficiency and marine plastic litter. He has also led several national and international initiatives on waste management, Green Productivity and capacity building.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Shri G Thirumurthy (Sc. 'F'), I/c DH (UPC-II), CPCB

Dr Smita Mohanty, Principal Director & Head ( Senior Principal Scientist), CIPET

Mr. Praveen Yadav, Environmental Policy and Resource Efficiency Advisor, GIZ India

Mr. Bhadresh Dodhia, Director - International Trade & Finance, Dodhia Group

Mr. Ulhas Parlikar, Director, MRAI

Mr. K.D. Bharadwaj, Group Head & Director, Environment Climate Action, National Productivity Council

CONTACT PERSON

Ms. Juilee R. Shinde, Executive, Government Relations,

+91 9967868477

juilee@mrai.org.in

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