Speakers

Olatokunbo IGE

The Livingstones Resource Centre (TLRC) & UTRADER

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Olatokunbo IGE is an international human rights lawyer, peace and security, development and disarmament expert with over 40 years of experience working with governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations primarily in Africa. She retired from the United Nations as a senior human rights officer having served mainly in countries in crises and those in transition from 2000 till 2017.

Tokunbo was on special leave from the UN until her official retirement in 2022, and is now a social entrepreneur.

She is the founder of The Livingstones Resource Center (TLRC ) an incubator, as well as principal consultant of TI Consulting, her leadership training and consulting outfit based in Togo which she founded in 2021. Tokunbo has recently started working on environmental protection, circular economy and sustainability issues, a passion that is now a post retirement career.

In 2021 she through the TLRC established the ECOVILLAGE, an eco-friendly resort built with local materials. In the same year, she established UTRADER as a waste management and transformation centre that seeks to alleviate the problem of domestic waste management by transforming, for example, used plastics, tyres, barrels, wood and textile waste into quality products and goods. UTRADER is part of a process of changing mentality and attitudes in the area of recycling and waste management in Togo.

Both organisations are running independently.

In April 2023, Tokunbo with a group of likeminded friends established Afrika Nunya, an institute for policy and development. This African think tank focuses on issues related to sustainable development, in particular climate justice and the youth empowerment; peace and security as well as the respect for human rights and the rule of law in Africa.

‘Tokunbo is a front-runner in developing partnerships across and among different sectors of society, especially in building bridges between governments, intergovernmental entities and civil society. Her exposure over the years to African policy making and political leadership both at the national and regional levels has strengthened her socio-political judgment which she uses in initiating and sustaining partnerships with diverse constituents.

‘Tokunbo is a seasoned trainer; a clear and persuasive orator who has spoken on many platforms, local, regional and international; including the TedX talks.

Tokunbo has a great sense of humour; and speaks English and French fluently.

Ganesh Karankal

Sales Director India, Lindner Washtech GmbH

Education:
Bachelor of Engineering -Mechanical, Mumbai University.
Master of Technology - Machine Design JNTU- Hyderabad
Sales & Marketing Management - IIM Kozhikode. Grade A.
Organizational Leadership 4.0 - IIM Kozhikode.

He has over 12 years of Professional Experience in Plastic packaging and Recycling industry which covers the entire spectrum of Packaging and Recycling Technology.

On the Circular Economy and Sustainability front he has been working for the past 8 years on addressing the issues of the damage caused to the Environment.

Working with Lindner Washtech Germany as a Sales Director India and Responsible for India and SAARC Countries. He is also supporting Indian Recyclers by advising and supplying the Advanced Washing and Presorting technology those include recycling for Post Consumer for film, rigid plastics for food grade and PET for Bottle to bottle washing technology.

Closely working with PET and rHDPE Bottle to bottle recycling projects in India.

Prior to joining Lindner, he has served in multiple multinational advanced recycling technology and well established in Indian Market. He has gained in depth knowledge on Indian Recycling market and advanced technology to produce high quality output recycled plastic material.

Combining with his experience and knowledge and latest Lindner washing technology, he hopes to be a strong support for Indian recycling Industry with rapidly developing and changing market conditions.

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Vanshay Goenka

Director, COOL CAPS INDUSTRIES LIMITED

Vanshay Goenka, Director of Cool Caps Industries, is focused on establishing a transparent and circular economy in waste management. Leading the charge with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) services and his vision extends to the PET bottle recycling, where he transforms waste into valuable resources, reflecting his commitment to environmental sustainability and a cleaner future.

He has completed his graduation from St. Xavier's College Kolkata and masters from ISB, Prior to Cool Caps, Mr. Goenka has worked as a consultant at EY for four years.

He is also a partner at DOTIN Network, a VC syndicate, reflecting his dedication to funding fintech and sustainable start-ups.

Johan Tranchell

Director - Sales & Marketing, Polydime Plastic Packaging Industries, Sri Lanka

With a Masters in Business Administration, Johann has over 30 years corporate management experience with specialisation in Sales & Marketing. During the last 14 years, he has been directly involved in the plastics industry and has worked hard to transform the Polydime Plastics Group to a sustainable and eco-friendly Plastic manufacturing company, as he actively worked in the innovations department while heading the sales and marketing team.

Johann is a board member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging (an affiliate of the World Packaging Organisation and the Asian Packaging Foundation) where he oversees environmental sustainability for packaging.

Prior to joining the plastics industry, he worked in the food manufacturing industry and the tea industry. Johann has experience with working environments in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, and heading start up companies in this region.

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Raahul Tiwari

Associate Vice President, EcoEx

Raahul Tiwari, leads as a seasoned professional in the realm of Business Development. He has rich experience in Implementing's Technology for Procurement & Compliances with Large Enterprise Customers. Currently he is associated with EcoEx as Associate Vice President . Prior to Ecoex Raahul has played a pivotal role in diverse projects and has honed his skills in customer experience, business relationship management, strategic alliances, direct sales, team management, and business process improvement. Raahul has been a dynamic professional contributing significantly to the growth and revenue of any venture he has been part of.

Frédéric Blanchard

Sales Director, Sorema Div. of Previero

Frédéric Blanchard holds a degree in engineering and a Master’s degree in strategic and business management. He started his career in 1989 in the PET preform business (Dunkirk – France) at “Continental PET”.

After several international projects and activities in the PET injection and PET blowing processes, he moved to Beaune-France in 1997 to develop the PET Recycling activity for Schmalbach Lubeca.

In 2012, Mr Blanchard decided to move on with his career and joined the Previero /Sorema company as a board member. Sorema is a family owned company leading and supplying the plastic recycling washing industry. As technical director, he contributes to the technical development and supports the customers with his own experience in running plastic recycling facilities. Therefore and since February 2015, in parallel to his activity at Sorema, Mr Blanchard is holding the position of Chief Operating Officer at Perpetual (Richmond; Indiana – USA); Recycling PET plant selling RPET Flakes to the sheet market.

In 2018, Mr Blanchard returned to SOREMA - Italy and has mainly focused on the new Plastic recycling market and also developing alternative Plastic recycling processes.

In 2023, he also took over the role of Sales Director inside Sorema Previero.

Praveen Rungta

Joint Managing Director cum CFO, Rungta Greentech Limited

Mr. Praveen Rungta, a Post Graduate in Business Management from Sydenham Institute of Management, Mumbai, serves as the Joint Managing Director cum CFO at Rungta Greentech Limited, the prominent PET recycling company in Eastern India. With over two decades of experience, his proficiency in taxation, liaisoning, and export, along with an extensive network, plays a key role in steering strategic initiatives and overseeing the company's financial landscape. Mr. Rungta's expertise in government, investment, social obligations, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives is pivotal in advancing the company's commitment to sustainability. His strategic leadership seamlessly aligns with his unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Tusar Ranjan Pattnaik

National Head (EPR) Sustainability, Hindustan Coca cola Beverages Pvt ltd

Tusar Pattnaik is a well-known personality in the field of Sustainability & Plastic waste management, with an Impressive track record of more than 23 years in driving EHS & Sustainability initiatives with prestigious organisations of India. Currently Tusar is working as a National Head (EPR) Sustainability in Hindustan Coca cola beverages pvt ltd. He has been instrumental in leading critical initiatives in the FMCG industry, encompassing responsibilities such as EPR implementation, corporate environmental management, sustainability, safety administration, risk assessment, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

His professional journey boasts associations with prestigious companies including Dabur India Limited, Indian Acrylics, ISGEC, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Nestle India, Punj Lloyd Ltd, and Bhartia Electric Limited. Notably, his relentless efforts at Dabur India led the organization to be recognized as a Plastic-positive FMCG organization in the year 2022-23, a testament to his commitment and expertise.

Tusar is also an active member of multiple Plastic associations and holds corporate memberships with esteemed institutions like FICCI and CII. Furthermore, he contributes his expertise as an environmental committee member of CII.

Beyond his noteworthy professional achievements, Tusar is deeply committed to CSR initiatives, particularly in PET recycling & other community related activities. He also provides training on road safety and home safety to village youth and women, reflecting his dedication to community development and welfare.

He handles the EPR implementation and corporate environment, sustainability, safety management, risk assessment, legal compliance like CGWA, PCB related matter &Internal auditor for ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 and Implementation of Pre & Post PET recycling projects & also handling Green field projects. Tusar has a proven track record of planning, designing, and implementing comprehensive EHS management system and procedures to prevent incidences of environmental pollution, health hazards and accidents.

Tusar has been honoured with Safety Award in International Project (Turkey) in 2004. His department received the Best Service Department Award in his supervision at Hindustan Coca-Cola in 2013. In June 2019, he has been honoured with Safety, Energy, Environment, Platinum award for Hindustan Coca Cola in India & Global level & also received award in plastic mgmt. & sustainability award from CII,Apex India, The policy times India & Business world . In Sept 2021, he received CEO Excellence Award, the most prestigious award of Dabur India Limited.

He is highly educated in his field, having Degree of B.Tech in Electrical, MBA in HR, Post Diploma in Industrial Safety from State Council, Odisha. He is NEBOSH Certified and certified as a Food Safety Professional from IIT Kharagpur. He holds Lead Auditor certifications for OHSAS-18001, ISO-14001, and ISO-45001.

Year 2021-22 has received many awards in Plastic wastes & sustainability from CII ,Business world, MSME global conference Policy times, APEX .Fame & Grow care etc for Dabur india ltd .Also attended many panel discussion on Plastic wastes , water Sustainability & Sustainable packaging on international conferences from various reputed organisations.

Nitesh Tiwari

Director and Co-founder, Allied Waste Solutions Private Limited

Nitesh Tiwari is a visionary entrepreneur whose unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability has driven him to the forefront of the waste management industry. As the Director and Co-founder of Allied Waste Solutions Private Limited, headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Nitesh is shaping the landscape of waste management with innovative strategies and a profound dedication to the circular economy.

With over a decade of experience in the field, Nitesh Tiwari has evolved into a seasoned expert in designing and implementing robust reverse collection and recycling systems. His leadership at Allied Waste Solutions (AWS) is characterized by a relentless pursuit of developing eco-friendly practices that contribute to a cleaner and greener future. AWS, under Nitesh's guidance, has emerged as a trailblazer in waste management by fostering collaborations and synergies among producers, importers, brand owners, recyclers, and refurbishers.

Nitesh recognizes that the key to achieving sustainable waste management lies in cooperation and shared responsibility. His company's collaborative approach is aligned with the principles of the circular economy, wherein diverse sectors must unite to optimize resource utilization, curtail waste generation, and champion the principles of recycling and reuse. Through AWS, Nitesh is instrumental in forging alliances and creating opportunities that drive positive change, ensuring a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence of industries and the environment.

In a world increasingly aware of its environmental impact, Nitesh Tiwari's work stands as a testament to the power of innovation and determination. His dynamic leadership and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire both the waste management industry and the broader business community to adopt strategies that promote ecological responsibility and long-term sustainability. As Nitesh's journey unfolds, he remains an influential force in shaping a future where waste is not seen as a burden, but rather as a valuable resource in the cycle of growth and renewal.

Divya Shah

Petrochemical Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights

Sandip Singh

Founder, Ishitva Robotics Systems

Ishitva makes automation solutions for sorting of recyclable materials using Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and IoT. It has developed a complete range of offerings starting from AI powered air sorter and robotic sorter to fully autonomous Material Recovery Facilities.

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Deepak Mehta

Founder, Leevams Incorporated

Deepak Mehta, a Mechanical Engineer from Bombay University, after gaining 20 years of long & rich experience in family business manufacturing engineering capital goods, ventured in the field of Foreign Agency Representation Business, specializing in "Solid Waste Management & Recycling” – be it, Plastics, Textiles, MSW, e-waste, Metals etc., offering world-class European technologies.

As a founder of Leevams Incorporated, he truly believes, “Recycling” is NOT JUST all about somehow converting the waste into a reusable form. It’s an art, integrating complete understanding of the waste, targeted end uses, involved technologies to ensure requisite quality, accrued benefits & economics of operation, etc., envisioning equal participation of the Customer. The key to real success lies in tailoring the solution aiming at Circular Economy!

Eyeing at the new PWM rules & EPR notifications, Leevams is contributing their every mite by helping the industry to set-up Material Recovery Facility (MRF), Washing & Pelletizing Plants etc. for the most challenging “post-consumer” waste stream.

Several projects have been executed for recycling of post-consumer & post-industrial waste.

Waste Management is the Question of finding the Right Partner!

Mehmet Kaya

Sales Team Leader Asia, Herbold Meckesheim GmbH

Mehmet holds a Diplom-Engineer degree and studied Mechanical Engineering with the spe-cialization in Environmental and Process Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Augsburg.

He started his first position as Area Sales Manager at Herbold in 2016, mainly responsible for the regions Southeast Europe, Near/Mid East and South Asia. His field of duty was starting from technical consultation, execution of tests up to succesful completion of the project.

In his current position as Sales Team Leader since 2022 he takes care about all sales activities in complete Asia region with special attention for washing lines as well as complete plant solutions.

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Devesh Malu

Director, Climeto Sustainable Services Private Limited

Devesh Malu is an innovative Entrepreneur and Ecopreneur deeply engaged in addressing issues related to climate change, sustainability, and the circular economy. With an educational foundation rooted in Mechanical Engineering from the Vellore Institute of Technology and certified expertise as an Insolvency Professional from the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Devesh has a well-rounded background. He has leveraged this expertise in significant roles, contributing to the insolvency processes of major corporations such as Reliance Capital Limited and Videocon Oil Ventures Limited.

Seeking to make a more direct impact in the environmental sector, Devesh pivoted from corporate restructuring to ecological advocacy. He established Climeto Sustainable Services Private Limited, where he serves as Director. Climeto is a global environmental service enterprise committed to aiding industries, companies, and brands in reducing their carbon footprint and fostering eco-friendly practices. Under Devesh's leadership, Climeto strives to transform the ecological landscape, encapsulated by its motivating slogan: "Turn It Green."

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Dr. Ruby Makhija

Founder and Director, Why Waste Wednesdays Foundation

Dr. Ruby Makhija, a qualified ophthalmologist who once pursued a promising medical career, made a significant decision to transit to social work.

Recognized as Earth Day Network Star, she demonstrates extraordinary dedication to environmental advocacy and sustainability initiatives.

As a two-time TEDx speaker on waste management and single-use plastic, she brings attention to pressing environmental issues and inspires action.

As the Founder, Why Waste Wednesdays Foundation, Dr. Makhija champions behavior change, reducing single-use plastic, and creating zero waste models. Through pathbreaking initiatives like Project Vikalp – Borrow a Bag, Students Vs. Plastics Toolkit, RRR Centre, plastic and E-waste collection, the foundation promotes eco-friendly alternatives and fosters zero-waste strategies.

As the Brand Ambassador and City Level Task Force Member for Plastic Waste Management, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, she advocates for sustainable practices in communities.

Under her guidance, Navjeevan Vihar achieved zero waste status, diverting 6 lakh kg of waste from landfills. Her hands- on approach includes motivating communities and providing support to adopt zero waste practices.

As the Chairperson, Local Committee, District South Delhi against Sexual Harassment at Workplace, she advocates for gender equality and workplace inclusivity, reflecting her dedication to social justice.

Her efforts extend globally, with collaborations and engagements aimed at sharing best practices in waste management and sustainability. Dr. Makhija's multifaceted approach and impactful initiatives underscore her as a leading figure in the fight for a cleaner, greener planet.

Recipient of various awards and accolades.

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Mathias Strasser

Area Sales Manager, Next Generation Recycling Machines

Next Generation Recycling Machines is a European manufacturer of plastic recycling machines. Both applications for post-industrial and post-consumer plastics are being implemented economically and ecologically by NGR.

A recycling of a variety of inbound materials (films, fibers, flakes, lumps, ect.) of PE, PP, PA, PS, PET, etc. are converted in an automated process step in almost new plastic. A valuable raw material is thus kept in the consumer cycle.

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Josef Weber

Regional Sales Manager Asia and Australia Sorting Recycling, Sesotec GmbH

Josef Weber is 37 years old and working for Sesotec for more than 8 years. Initially he started in the R&D department, after a few stations in between he took over the responsibility for Sorting Recycling at Sesotec in Asia and Australia

Together with the local teams he continuously supports the customer and expands the range of sorting and analyzing applications for the recycling industry, especially for plastics, e-scrap and metal scrap.

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Bharat B Mehta

Vice President – PET Marketing, Reliance Industries Ltd

Mr. Bharat B Mehta is currently the Vice President Marketing, with the PET business of Reliance Industries. He has been with Reliance since 1995 with PET business. Over the years he has handled various responsibilities including: sales, building distribution network, PET business development, Business MIS, Advocacy, Sustainability initiatives and rPET.

Prior to moving into Reliance, Mr. Mehta worked with Ester Industries Ltd in Polyester Film Marketing and before that with Swadeshi Polytex Ltd in Polyester Staple Fibre manufacturing.

Mr. Bharat B Mehta holds a B. Tech (Chemical Engineering) from NIT- Warangal in 1990 and PGDBM – Marketing from IMT, Ghaziabad and Certificate Course in Export Marketing from IIFT, New Delhi.

Nitin Chowdhary

Founder, ASN Technologies, Singapore

Nitin is a seasoned business leader with a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in the global Plastics Industry through significant roles in the United States, India, and Singapore.

He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Plastics Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.

Nitin specializes in innovative material additives aimed at enhancing product quality, improving customer profits, and minimizing environmental impact.

His innovations include intelligent plastics recycling solutions, and initiatives for carbon footprint reduction.

Beyond his professional achievements, Nitin has been recognized for his contribution to Singapore public health and philanthropy for the global good.

His mantra: Believe in people and the power of collaborative teamwork.

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Manjri Gopalan

India & South-west Asia Regional Manager, Market Access, Corporate Affairs - Hewlett Packard Enterprise India Pvt Ltd

Manjri Gopalan heads Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)’s Market Access team for India and South- east Asia. She drives compliance and strategic projects across multiple businesses and functions in HPE ensuring the products are safe from hazards and comply with applicable laws of the land. Prior to joining HPE, Manjri was leading Microsoft’s Environmental compliance in India. She has also worked with Nokia, managing India’s largest mobile take back and recycling program.

Manjri believes the key to the development and implementation of an effective and efficient policy is only through continuous engagement and collaboration of all the relevant stakeholders. She leads HPE’s engagement with government and industry associations on good regulatory practices. She also spearheads industry associations in Government discussions in influencing IT product regulations and standards around Environment, Product Safety, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Telecom, Energy efficiency, Supply chain cybersecurity. She has been actively involved in developing and shaping various ICT industry related policies since 2006.

She has a Masters’ Degree in Environmental Studies and is a strong advocate of sustainable consumption and strongly believes in inspiring people to live green lifestyles via disruptive experiential and collaborative programs.

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Rohit Maskara

Project Manager - Dry Waste Management, Centre for Environment Education (CEE)

Rohit Maskara has more than 14 years of experience in various domain like Waste Management, Enterprise development, Financial Inclusion, etc. he is currently working as a Project Manager for Dry including Plastic Waste Management at Centre for Environment Education (CEE).

Before this, he has worked as Project Officer on Plastic waste management at United Nations Development Program (UNDP) based in Delhi. He has experience working with organisations like HDFC, Emami and others.

Rohit is passionate about building multi-stakeholder, people-centric governance structures for Solid Waste Management implementation and strengthening the capacity of Urban Local Bodies and Grassroots Communities. Through his vast experience of working with grassroots institutes, he facilitated knowledge exchange for diverse stakeholder groups like NGOs, Government Officials, Communities at large, etc.

Rohit holds an MBA degree in Rural Management from KIIT School of Rural Management, Bhubaneshwar; a course on Municipal Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries and a course on Regional and Rural Development Planning with the area of specialization in Rural Management from the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok.

His interest areas include decentralized waste management, circular economy, micro enterprises development and a range of issues at the intersection of gender equality, women’s rights and climate justice.

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Girish Behal

Polyester Films - Ester Industries Ltd.

Girish Behal, Business Head: Girish's extensive background in the polymer industry equips him with a nuanced perspective on market trends, allowing him to anticipate shifts and capitalize on emerging opportunities. As Business Head at Ester Industries, he strategically navigates the complexities of the industry landscape, implementing forward-thinking strategies that not only sustain but propel the company's growth trajectory. His adept leadership style fosters a culture of innovation within the organization, encouraging the development of cutting-edge products and solutions that meet evolving customer needs. Through his visionary approach, Behal has effectively steered Ester Industries towards expanding its footprint across diverse geographical markets, establishing a robust presence both domestically and internationally. His unwavering commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to the company's mission have solidified his reputation as a key driver of success within the polymer industry.

Ester Industries has emerged as a pioneering force in the realm of polymer solutions and stands as a beacon of innovation & sustainability in the polymer industry, with a rich legacy spanning over 4 decades. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation, Ester Industries has redefined the landscape of plastic recycling.

Innovation is the cornerstone of our approach. Through continuous research and development, we are pioneering new materials and processes that enhance the performance and sustainability of flexible and rigid packaging solutions. Our goal is to deliver products that not only meet the highest standards of quality and functionality but also minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. We are proud to lead the charge towards a more sustainable future.

As we gather at the Plastic Recycling Conference Asia 2024, we invite you to join us on our journey towards a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. Together, let us embrace the power of innovation and collaboration to create a world where plastic recycling is not just a goal, but a reality.

Ester Industries - Empowering Sustainability, Enabling Progress.

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K. Ganesh

Director - Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri

Mr. K. Ganesh, Director Sustainability & Corporate Affairs at Bisleri, has over three decades of industry expertise across renowned organizations including Shaw Wallace, Mohan Meakins, and Cavin Kare. Ganesh has been pivotal in driving sustainability initiatives and corporate affairs for Bisleri International.

Since joining Bisleri in 2010, Ganesh spearheaded the establishment of greenfield projects for packaged drinking water, optimised packaging costs through standardization packaging redesign. Notably, he has facilitated the setup of India's first zero-liquid discharge plant in the packaged drinking water segment, showcasing environmental stewardship.

A fervent advocate for sustainability, Ganesh actively engages in initiatives creating long-term impact. He had been part of many policies making committees of various govt bodies. He actively participates in the Plastic Committee of India and collaborates closely with governmental agencies such as BIS, FSSAI, CGWA, MOEFCC, and CPCB, as well as industry associations like CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PACE, and IBA to shape and refine industry standards and regulations.

Recognized for his adept leadership, Ganesh leverages strong analytical and problem-solving skills to drive innovation. Embracing technology, he champions initiatives where technology and environmental consciousness converge. Under his guidance, Bisleri's OSR footprint expanded across multiple states and cities, delivering tangible benefit to local communities.

Ganesh is a Mechanical Engineer and holds a master’s in business administration, specialising in Advanced Strategic Management Programme from IIM Kolkata.

Bharat Yalla

Co-Founder & Managing Director - Reifenhauser Middle East Africa (MEA)

Mr. Bharat Yalla possesses nearly 15 years of professional experience in the industry, coupled with a distinguished academic background in Engineering and Management. Since 2011, he has played a pivotal role within Reifenhauser India, notably as the head of the extrusion department. Furthermore, Mr. Yalla holds the esteemed position of Co-founder & Managing Director at Reifenhauser Middle East Africa (MEA). He brings in a rich experience from Middle East and Africa along with the Indian Sub-continent.

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Dr. Shreeram Wadekar

Lead – rPET Product Management, Reliance Industries Ltd

Dr. Shreeram Wadekar is currently the Lead – rPET Product, with the PET business of Reliance Industries. He has total 23 years of experience in the field of polyesters, mainly in PET. During his professional carrier, he has handled various responsibilities including rPET, PET polymerization technology adoption, sales, PET business development, new product & application development.

Prior to moving into Reliance, Dr. Wadekar worked with Indorama Ventures in PET Sales & Marketing and before that with JBF Industries Ltd in bottle grade PET.

Dr. Shreeram Wadekar holds a Ph. D (Polymer) from ICT-Mumbai in 2000 and Post-Doctoral fellowship from University of Tennessee, USA. Dr. Wadekar holds several patents in the field of polyester / PET and co-author for a book chapter on Solid-State Polymerization of PET published by Wiley publishers. He is also a member of various BIS sub-committees responsible for the amendments of various Indian Standards on PET packaging and recycling.

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Chakravarthi AVPS

Global Ambassador - World Packaging Organisation

A die hard lover and an evangelist of packaging, recognised as the most influential leader in the segment, Mr. Chakravarthi AVPS is Global Ambassador of World Packaging Organisation and a member on its executive board.

With a strong penchant and deep knowledge in Pharmaceutical Packaging, he is also a board (COA) member for the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council, Government of India.

He is CEO and Managing director of Ecobliss India an internationally renowned company for its packaging innovations. Chakravarthi is also one of the longest serving board members of Indian Institute of Packaging and was chairman for its prestigious golden jubilee committee.

Winner of various National, International awards that include Ameristars and Worldstars, he is now acting as Jury for various international competitions and award programmes. Delivered keynote addresses, chaired and mentored various conclaves and programmes in packaging, food & pharma landscapes in more than 25 countries. Chakravarthi is fond of connecting dots across the globe, spreading awareness and he sincerely believes ‘Packaging matters!’ for the world.

Awards & Accolades:

• UBM recognition award for contribution to Indian Pharma industry.
• PHARMEXCIL Honour &recognition
• Padma Mohana award for Industry leaders.
• Packaging Leadership Award from World Quality Congress
• TV 5 business leaders finalist.
• Chief jury/ jury for various National & International awards.
• Mentor for CPhI Innopack Pharma Worldwide
• Chairperson for PPL, an Indian Express initiative of pharma packaging & labelling

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Viresh Sheth

Founder - Environment First Recyclers Private Limited

Viresh Sheth is an accomplished entrepreneur with over four decades of experience in the packaging industry. His journey began with the establishment of flexible packaging solutions and has since expanded into developing specialized packaging machines and customized conveying solutions. Viresh is particularly known for his expertise in conveying automation and his advocacy for sustainability within the industry.

With a strong passion for sustainability and a keen business acumen, Viresh is dedicated to revolutionizing the packaging industry. He aims to achieve this by integrating cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly practices, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable future. Viresh's focus extends to areas such as waste segregation, recycling, and the development of products and applications using recycled materials.

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Chintan Mehta

Business Head - Prasad Group of Companies

Mr. Chintan Mehta is Business Head for Prasad Group of Companies.

Prasad group is Asia’s largest plastic auxiliary machinery group.

Mr. Chintan is driving the business of 6 European joint ventures & technology collaboration of PRASAD Group.

He has successfully automated and installed more than 300 pneumatic conveying project solutions in India, SAARC, Africa, Gulf & Europe. He has hands on experience with integrating such complex solutions with world leaders like EREMA, KBM, Coperion, Kraussmaffie, Milacron, Haitian, Husky, SACMI, Brabender & Buss Switzerland.

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Prabhjot Sodhi

Sr Program Director - Circular Economy - Centre for Environment Education (CEE)

Mr. Sodhi was previously Head UNDP Circular Economy – (April 2016-May 2021) working experience with multiple donors in the space of Circular Economy (plastics) – Coca Cola, Hindustan Unilever Limited, HDFC Bank, Nyara Energy and Coca Cola Foundation.

With more than 40 years of experience and 13 years in implementation in Circular Economy (CE) - sector strategies, systems thinking, materials flow, recovery centre, competence development programs, business models, informal sector, including safaii sathis (waste pickers), he mainly address the EPR domain, partnership across Governments, including ULBs, Civil Society, Recyclers in the domain of waste value chain.

Mr. Sodhi has a diversified experience and CEE as a leading pan INDIA thematic lead and State lead for Goa, Gujarat and Odisha in plastics for WASH in Jal Shakti Ministry GOI in leading and implementing projects in a wide range of areas – plastic waste management to climate change, natural resources, land development to livelihoods of poor, and marginalized in the tribal, rural, and urban spaces for the last 40 years.

Past Experiences:

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Rajesh Pahwa

Founder & CEO - 21 Century Polymers

• Have global experience of 33 years in plastic recycling & technologies.
• Exhibited in plastic exhibitions in USA, China, Germany, Dubai and India.
• Recycle & compound almost all kinds of polymers including commodity plastics, engineering plastics, high temperature plastics and MLP.
• Working on biodegradable & compostable materials since 2011.
• Started Waste management in 2019. Operated 3 Material Recovery Facilities in Goa and one with Mathura- Vrindavan municipal Coorporation.
• Recycling units in Delhi, Haryana Mathura, Assam & soon in Jammu.
• Strongly believe that MRF + Recycling is best sustainable solution for plastic litter.
• Member : India plastic pact

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Chandan Sengpta

Independent Director - Rungta Greentech Limited

Chandan Sengupta is an Alumnus of BITS Pilani and Indian institute of Management, Calcutta.

In a four-decade corporate career spanning various sectors like engineering, FMCG etc., Sri Sengupta spend the 23 years with the largest polyolefins manufacturer in the Eastern India, Haldia Petrochemicals Limited (HPL).

During his tenure in HPL he oversaw various functions & verticals across different geographical areas and became the Senior Vice president and Head of Marketing & Commodity Business.

He was responsible for the marketing of both polymers as well as chemicals, and was also responsible for procurement of bulk feed stocks required for manufacturing like Naphtha etc.

Sri Sengupta was a regular participant in the seminars, webinars, panel discussions both in India as well as abroad, and had given numerous presentations in the ICC (Indian Chemical Council), IPF (Indian Plastics Federation), Indian Chamber of Commerce and many others in India, as well as in Argus, Singapore, CMI Vietnam etc.

He was member of different Executive/ National Committees like CPMA (Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturers of India), ICC, IPF, FICCI Petrochemicals Committee as well as CII National Committee on Chemicals and Petrochemicals.

He was also the Regional Chairman of the Indian Chemical Council for the Eastern India and continues to be in their executive committee as well as IPF.

Sri Sengupta was involved in the various committees during governmental interactions during formulation of the Plastic Waste Management policies as well as the EPR guidelines, and various committees looking into the tariff and non-tariff trade barriers.

He is also an Adjunct Faculty for offsite programs conducted by BITS Pilani as well as JNU

He is also involved with various philanthropic activities and is a major functionary in BITSAA Alumni Trust which conducts a host of programs aimed at uplifting the underprivileged sections in and around Pilani, Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan.

Sri Sengupta is also serving on the Board of Directors of Rungta Greentech Limited, the leading up cycler of PET with ambitious growth plans, as an independent Director.

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Vinod Mehta CA

Senior Vice president - Corporate Commercial, RSWM LTD

Mr. Mehta has been working with the group for the last 35 years. Looking after total material purchases of RSWM LTD units. He also purchases the raw material for recycling units - monthly recycle fibre production of 3600 MT.

RSWM Ltd., a flagship company of an LNJBHILWARA group with company turnover of approx INR 4000 crores, having 12 production units in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

The company is producing 13000 tons of yarn - synthetic, cotton, melange and specialty yarn.

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Jamil Chawaf

Sales Manager - EMEA / APAC, SOREMA div. of PREVIERO

Jamil Chawaf holds a master degree in engineering completed by an MBA.

Started his career in different industries, he joined the recycling sector 5 years ago providing automatic sorting solutions in material recovery facilities and plastic recycling plants across the globe.

Recently, he decided to move on with his career and joined the PREVIERO N. SRL /Sorema company as a sales manager. Sorema is a family owned company leading and supplying the plastic recycling washing industry. As a technical sales manager with great international experience in APAC and MEA regions, he contributes to the global growth and supports the customers with his own experience in designing recycling facilities.

More specifically for the Indian market, Jamil has done several material waste characterisation and brought back samples to Europe for laboratory testing and industrial scale recycling trials. This was done to ensure the best understanding of material, create the optimum design of the lines with the ever changing Indian packaging industry and growing middle class population shaping the waste of the country and maximising the recycling potential.