Publications

Studies commissioned by the G20 nations, carried out by the International Resource Panel, in 2017, show that there is substantial scope reducing for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through material efficiency strategies. 

Such strategies result in reductions above and beyond those attainable through decarbonization, improved energy efficiency, and so on. Strategies of material efficient design, yield improvements both in manufacturing and recovery; methods to intensify use, extend lifespan, repair,  can be effective in reducing life-cycle GHG emissions.

In India, where growth is occurring rapidly, in all sectors of the economy, such strategies when applied through the product's life cycle, can help meet the NDCs, increase employment, reduce resource consumption, and adverse environmental impacts. 

Before examining/quantifying the potential for application of such strategies in India, a scoping study was carried out to identify sectors of the economy to focus on. This report summarises the results of the scoping study. 

The concept of the circular economy focuses on closed-loop cycles of materials and energy and growth within the regenerative capacity of the environment. Given the environmental, resource related and geopolitical challenges companies face, the circular economy has evolved as a new path to competitiveness—an alternative for our current business models. Therefore, adopting a circular economy is crucial to a company’s survival. The CII-ITC CESD has put together to have this CEO’s Guide on Circular Economy and Competitiveness.

Increased global population, urbanization, and industrial productivity have led to increased material consumption. The Indian economy grew at a rate of 7.11% (in the period 2003 to 2017): rising populations and urbanization will cause the already high extractive pressure on natural resources to increase and reach unsustainable levels. There is a need for India to move away from the linear economic model of take-make-dispose, towards a circular economy (CE), a system that is restorative by intention and design. Resource efficiency (RE) and closing of loops (through re-use, re-manufacture, recycle, etc.) form the bedrock of a circular economy.