Programme on Clean Energy for Kolhapur Foundries

Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) worldwide are stressing on adoption of strict environment sustainability standards among their vendors to make their supply chain green. Therefore, India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) need to demonstrate environment friendly practices to integrate into the global supply chain of these MNCs. In order to create awareness about clean technology adoption for meeting environment-friendly standards, WTC Mumbai in association with Shiroli Manufacturers Association, Kolhapur (SMAK) organized a programme titled ‘Adoption of Clean Technologies in the Foundry and Forging Sector.’ 

Mr. Rob Anderson, Public Engagement Unit Chief at the U.S.  Consulate General, Mumbai remarked, “ As MNCs look to diversify their supply chains and invest in India, they will be looking for companies that have policies and plans in place to meet global environment, social, and governance (ESG) standards. This is the right time for companies to incorporate clean energy technologies and to make  process improvements that lead to efficiencies and reduced emissions in support of global climate goals. The U.S. Consulate in Mumbai is ready to support you, and especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with training, technical assistance, and other resources , such as academic collaboration and skilling. ”

Mr.  Anderson informed that the U.S. Consulate is working with chambers and other industry partners  such as World Trade Center Mumbai to support MSMEs in “ greening ” their operations, and considering an industry-government forum that would promote exchange of ideas on green technology and finance, including in the forging and foundry sectors. There is tremendous scope to exchange best practices in waste reduction, water recycling, energy efficiency, reducing carbon emission and process optimization, Mr. Anderson mentioned.

Dr. Kadambari Balkawade (I.A.S), Commissioner, Kolhapur Municipal Corporation emphasized that waste management is the top priority of her administration and that the Corporation is willing to introduce policy to support MSMEs in recycling water and industrial waste.

Mr. Anil Velde, DGM - Trade Promotion and Marketing, WTC Mumbai said, “ WTC Mumbai is willing to support MSME units in Kolhapur in adoption of clean technologies by facilitating networking events and exchange of trade delegations with foreign countries. ” 

Mr Virendra Patil, Member, SMAK while speaking about the environmental challenges faced by the foundry cluster remarked, “Foundries generate solid and gaseous waste, besides waste produced from single use plastics. Foundries also have to safely dispose metallic and non-metallic slag generated while melting scrap. Fumes emitted at different stages of the foundry process are hazardous to health and the minute particulate matter originating from sand dust cause air pollution. Hence, we need clean technologies for implementing the circular economy principle of RRR (reduce, reuse and recycle) and make our operations environment friendly. We seek support from WTC Mumbai to help connect us with the right partners to access clean technologies from advanced countries.”

In Photo (From left to right): Mr. Amar Jadhav, Director, SMAK; Mr M.Y. Patil, Vice Chairman, SMAK; Mr Deepak Patil, Chairman, SMAK; Mr. Rob Anderson, Public Engagement Unit Chief at the U.S.  Consulate General, Mumbai; Dr. Kadambari Balkawade (I.A.S), Commissioner, Kolhapur Municipal Corporation; Mr. S D Shelke, General Manager, District Industrial Centre (DIC), Kolhapur; Mr. Anil Velde, DGM - Trade Promotion and Marketing, WTC Mumbai.