NEW DELHI, Jan 10 : Finland is promoting the concept of a circular economy worldwide, with India being a vital partner in this initiative, stated Finnish envoy Kimmo Lähdevirta on Friday.
During an event held at the Finnish Embassy, he emphasized, “Our collaboration is not only valuable but essential, driven by our genuine commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
The event marked the unveiling of the ‘Design for Recyclability Guidelines for Films & Flexible Packaging,’ developed by the Confederation of Indian Industry’s India Plastics Pact after nearly a year of discussions involving various stakeholders in the flexible packaging sector, the organizers noted.
Flexible packaging encompasses any package made from non-rigid materials like paper, plastic, and foil, which adapt easily to the shape of the contained product.
The program was co-hosted by the embassy and Huhtamaki India, the Indian subsidiary of Huhtamaki Oyj, a century-old Finnish company recognized globally for its leading packaging solutions.
Finnish national strategies for a circular economy and the annual World Circular Economy Forum, organized by the Finnish Innovation Fund, Sitra, “illustrate how we are advancing this agenda internationally,” said the Finnish envoy during his remarks.
“India is undeniably a key partner for Finland on this journey. The commitment to innovation and sustainability makes our cooperation not only valuable but essential,” he highlighted.
Lähdevirta noted that Huhtamaki exemplifies what can be achieved when experts from both nations unite to address significant global issues.
The circular economy represents a production and consumption model that includes sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling materials and products for as long as possible, thus prolonging their life cycles, as defined by the European Parliament.
For Finland, “circularity transcends strategy; it represents a commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient future,” the ambassador expressed.
He further stated, “A circular bio-economy underpins our initiatives to combat climate change, safeguard natural resources, and generate employment. It offers a proven trajectory toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while promoting both innovation and economic growth.”
This event signifies a unique collaboration between Finland and India within the circular economy framework. The flexible packaging sector in India poses both significant challenges and opportunities, the envoy remarked.
“While its advantages—lightweight, cost-effectiveness, durability, and consumer safety are unquestionable, the complexities surrounding recycling and reuse require innovative solutions. The introduction of these guidelines is a pivotal step in addressing these challenges. Curated by CII and the India Plastic Pact, these guidelines offer a clear framework for transforming the flexible packaging industry,” Lähdevirta said.
“However, as we celebrate this achievement, it is crucial to acknowledge that these guidelines are merely the beginning. Their effectiveness hinges on implementation, which necessitates collaboration throughout the entire packaging supply chain,” he added.
The gathering included industry leaders, government officials, researchers, and NGO representatives, among others.
“The diversity is our strength, and it is this collaborative spirit that can drive impactful change. As a Finnish ambassador, I take pride in seeing Huhtamaki set an example, demonstrating how Finnish design thinking and Indian innovation can merge to produce sustainable solutions,” the envoy concluded.
Finland has consistently been at the “forefront” of innovations in the circular economy, with many of its companies leading in sustainable practices, he noted.
“These partnerships demonstrate that realizing a fully circular economy for food packaging is not merely a dream but a tangible reality,” the envoy affirmed.
Flexible packaging represents 73 percent of all plastic packaging in India, according to the organizers’ statement.
Additionally, a panel discussion titled ‘Advancing Circularity in Flexible Packaging in India’ was conducted as part of the event.
Salla Ahonen, Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Communications at Huhtamaki, also participated in the event and addressed the audience.
“We are witnessing a rise in global awareness regarding sustainability,” Ahonen remarked to PTI on the sidelines of the event.
Nonetheless, she highlighted ongoing debates about the reuse of recycled materials, particularly concerning their purity and other concerns, when asked about any global studies assessing the acceptability of recycled materials among end-users.
Huhtamaki began in Finland in 1920 as a confectionery producer and has since transformed into a provider of sustainable packaging solutions to billions worldwide, per the company’s website. The firm has been operational in India for nearly 90 years.
“It is a firm focused on innovation…I observe Huhtamaki as a company that continually reinvents itself, responding to global needs,” she stated.
“It is an exciting enterprise with humble Finnish origins that has grown into a truly global company with operations in 37 countries and over 100 locations globally,” Ahonen concluded. (PTI)
