The Climate Action and Sustainability Conference & Awards (CASCA’25) held a panel discussion titled “From Waste to Wealth: Driving the Circular Economy for a Sustainable Future”. The discussion explored India’s transition from a linear economy to a regenerative one. Moderator Dr. Abhinav Mathur emphasized that waste contains valuable materials and can be a reservoir of untapped value. Panelists from Hyundai, RiverRecycle, and Waste Warriors shared their experiences and innovations in implementing circular economy practices.
Hyundai’s Puneet Anand discussed the company’s circular initiatives, including repurposing wooden boxes and establishing a waste management facility. RiverRecycle’s Yashwant Deval highlighted the need to intercept floating waste in rivers, while Waste Warriors’ Vinod Solanki shared community-driven models for waste management in the Himalayas.
The panel emphasized the importance of collaboration, policy implementation, and cultural change in driving the circular economy. They called for collective action, innovation, and everyday changes to reduce waste and promote sustainability. The discussion concluded with a unified message: the journey from waste to wealth begins with individual and collective intent, and everyone has a role to play in solving the problem.