SIAM Concludes Its Lecture Series On Environmentally Sound Management Of ELVs In India

The twin lecture series conducted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) concluded yesterday, 27th August 2020, with a series of Lectures on ‘Technological imperatives in Designing & Material Eco-efficiency of ELV Recycling’.

The objective of the twin lecture series was to disseminate knowledge, domain technological advancements, and policy/regulatory landscape along with a ‘cradle-to-cradle’ model aimed at eliminating waste through recycling and reuse of end-of-life vehicles.

The second lecture from the series focussed on “Technological Imperatives in Designing & Material Eco-efficiency of ELV Recycling” mainly highlighted information about vehicular designs that support vehicle refurbishments and how material designers can incorporate material advancements while designing components and vehicles manufacturing. Specified designing of ELVs can maximize the recycling and reusing easy and less hazardous to the environment.

Key takeaways of the lecture were:

·         Vehicle and process related requirements from EU-ELV Directive

·         How ELV recycling is expected to provide a boost to new vehicle sales and bring about reduction in waste dumping in landfills

·         Why scrappage policy is the need of an hour

·         Support from government in formalizing the recycling sector

·         CERO’s presence & expansion plans over next 1 year

·         UBA’s recommendation to combat illegal ELV treatment

·         Circular economy action plan 2.0 and the strengths of ELV recycling

·         Imperatives for Environmentally Sound Management of ELV reuse and recycling

With a large number of renowned speakers participating from specific sectors, the session focused on imparting knowledge and domain-centric technological advancements to the participants.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM said:  “The steady shift towards ELVs in India has multiple implications for all the stakeholders in particular and the economy at large. While ELVs are meant to reduce the carbon footprint of the industry, it is essential to note that manufactured products generate a carbon trail during their lifecycle as well as during disposal after the end-of-life cycle. Manufacturers of ELVs would need to adhere to the relevant designing norms. This will help ensure that at the end of their life-cycle, it will be more convenient and easier to dispose of these vehicles as per the prescribed eco-friendly guidelines. We are hopeful that the participants of this event would be able to comprehend the importance of following these norms at all times.”

In the foreseeable future government is expected to implement a Scrappage policy. Therefore, it is imperative that environmentally-sound management policies and regulations are put in place in advance to ensure ELVs leave a low carbon trail throughout their life cycle. The lecture given by well-informed industry leaders about the same is beneficial for the attendees as every process comes with their exclusive pros and cons, Menon Added.

The series highlighted the sustained utilization of resources replacing the traditional linear economy, which is based on a ‘Take, Make, Dispose of’ model of production. Besides national policy and regulations, the lectures delved on the economics of recycling, including technology in designing material and developing recycling infrastructure in India.

The end of the lecture was embarked on the distribution of certificates to the participants by SIAM.