Chennai: The two-day “National Expo on eco-alternatives to SUP and Conference of Startups -2022’, took off here at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, on Monday. The startup conference and other activities have been organised to find and promote convenient biodegradable alternatives to single used plastic (SUP).
The Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change in association with the Tamil Nadu government organised the event, which saw participation of more than 150 manufacturers of eco-alternatives to plastics in the event. The eco-alternatives included items made from natural fibers such as coir, bagasse, rice and wheat bran, plant and agricultural residue, banana and areca leaves, jute and cloth.
In his opening remarks through a video message, Union minister for environment, forest and climate change, government of India, Bhupender Yadav highlighted that mindless consumption in place of mindful use of resources, has led to the presence of littered and unmanaged plastic waste. “Uptake of eco-friendly alternatives such as jute, and bamboo, and moving towards an environmentally conscious lifestyle are required to address the issue,” he added.
The National Expo is open to the public, school and college students, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers of eco alternatives to banned single use plastic items. “The expo and conference of startups will spread mass awareness on the availability of eco-alternatives and provide a platform for startups for scaling up their solutions,” said Siva V Meyyanathan, minister of environment, and climate change, Tamil Nadu.
Representatives from state governments, state pollution control boards, concerned central ministries, financial institutions and banks are participating in the Expo. Along with the Expo, a conference of startups working in the area of alternatives to single use plastics and air quality management has also been organized along with the Expo.
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The conference of startups will provide a platform for exchange views amongst innovators and institutions, and government departments supporting startup ecosystems in the country. Thematic sessions on marine plastic litter – issues, challenges and way forward and manufacturing of eco-alternatives have also been organized.
India took a defining step in addressing the challenge by banning identified single use plastic items, which had high littering potential and low utility, from 1st July 2022. Awareness of the alternatives to banned single use plastic items and their availability is the key to the success of the ban.
