The term “Green” can be used for anything that has less of an impact on the environment or is less detrimental to human health than traditional equivalents. Green chemistry encourages innovation and promotes the creation of products that are both environmentally and economically sustainable.
Green processes use raw materials and deliver products, which are feasible and economical while minimizing generation of pollution at the source and minimising risk to human health and the environment and the ecosystem. Green Processes internalise that decisions to protect human health and the environment can have the greatest impact and cost effectiveness when applied early in development phase.
Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals in the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers has accorded very high importance to the subject “’Green Technology” in the chemical industry by including it in the Innovation Action Plan: 2013-14.
“Green Technology” assumes special significance for the industry because poor image of the industry is hugely attributable to its association with pollution. This image is a major impediment to attracting talent and investment in this industry. It also faces regulatory hurdles due to this image.
With the above background, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organised a day-long workshop on “Green Technology in the Chemical Industry”, on 27 November 2013, at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Sahar Airport Road, Mumbai.
The workshop was inaugurated by Dr A J V Prasad, Joint Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. Dr Prasad congratulated CII and the industry for their interest and efforts for the subject and promised support from the Department. He also urged the industry to come forward and contribute as much as possible towards formulating the National Chemical Policy deliberations around which are likely to start on 9 December 2013.
The Workshop also brought forth industrial case-studies by leading companies like Godrej Industries Ltd and Thirumalai Chemicals who have successfully implemented “green” technology. Key Opinion leaders like Mr Nadir Godrej, Chairman, CII National Committee on Chemicals & Managing Director, Godrej Industries Ltd; Mr R Mukundan, Managing Director, TATA Chemicals Ltd; and Prof (Dr) G D Yadav, Vice Chancellor, ICT, Mumbai shared their thoughts on subjects ranging from ready-to-commercialise technologies to challenges in implementation and adoption of green technology.
