Redefining Consumption: Recommerce Expo 2023 Pioneers Sustainability at Centre Stage
The Recommerce Expo 2023, in its fourth edition, brought together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to explore the dynamic landscape of recommerce and sustainable consumption. The event held in Bangalore, India from 9 to 11 August 2023, substantiated the growing emphasis on responsible and eco-conscious practices within the business world.
Recommerce Expo 2023 served as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation across the entire product lifecycle, from manufacturing and distribution to usage and recycling, with focused discussion on waste reduction, circular economy models, and sustainable consumption practices. The event highlighted the importance of electronics repair and refurbishment in mitigating environmental concerns.
During her presentation on the first day, Ms Priti Banthia Mahesh, Chief Programme Coordinator of Toxics Link, elaborated on the E-waste Rules 2022. Her discourse shed light on the critical implications and potential transformations brought about by the recently enacted E-waste Rules.
She elaborated that by focusing on repair, refurbishment, and recycling, the regulations can not only promote sustainable practices but also create opportunities for job growth and entrepreneurship in the burgeoning e-waste management sector. She further highlighted the environmental benefits of the rules, emphasizing their role in mitigating pollution, conserving resources, and ensuring responsible disposal of electronic waste, ultimately contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.
The second day of the event was focused on batteries and was held under the chairmanship of Ms Priti Banthia Mahesh. In her opening talk, she emphasised on the need for creating a circular economy for batteries and making sure that the shift to renewable energy sources does not become another environmental crisis. She spoke about an urgent need to ensure that lithium-ion battery ecosystem is developed keeping in mind that materials are used to the optimal and there is focus on entire lifecycle, with sustainable design at its core. She also raised concerns on environmental impacts of smaller batteries and its recycling feasibility. She further stated that a cohesive national policy will be the most effective strategy, with traceability and transparency as key elements.
