3rd Rosefield Conference on Circular Economy in Used Oil: Embracing the EPR Era!

The 3rd Rosefield Conference on Circular Economy in Used Oil took place on June 20, 2024, at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. Drawing over 270 participants, the event showcased the industry's commitment to sustainability within the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. The conference featured six sessions and over 25 speakers, offering an in-depth exploration of the future of used oil management.

Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, a recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards for his contributions to national security and innovation, was the Chief Guest. Dr. SSV Ramakumar, known for his leadership in the lubricant industry, was the Chief Mentor for the conference.

Notable Guests of Honour included Vinod Babu, Nodal Officer of the Waste Management Division at the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB); Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director of Valvoline Cummins; Madan Lal Khandelwal, President of the Petroleum Re-refiners Association of India (PRAI); Urmila Bhargava, Managing Director of IFP Petro; Shailendra Gokhale, Founder of Rosefield Energy Tech; and international business leaders Spyros Thomas of LPC SA and Mario Majic of Avista Oil.

The conference commenced with a session on policy perspectives featuring Prabhjot Sodhi from the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Vinod Babu from CPCB, Amit Verma from NITI Aayog and Shailendra Gokhale from Rosefield Energy Tech. The panel discussed the current and future state of used oil management in India, emphasising the importance of EPR and the need for technological and policy advancements. Issues such as improper disposal and the informal sector's role in oil collection were also addressed.

In the subsequent session, senior management from leading lubricant companies shared their strategies for EPR compliance. Panellists included Kapil Vyas from SGSPL, Shakti Mishra from HPCL, Vikas Gupta from Nandan Petrochem, Binu Chandy from PETRONAS, and Kailash Sawant from Lubrizol. They underscored the need for a robust oil collection ecosystem and circular green lubricants, calling for government support and innovative solutions. The panellists acknowledged the increased costs but stressed the long-term benefits of sustainability.

A global perspective was provided by Dr. Christos Karavasilis from LPC SA (Greece) and Mario Majic from Avista Oil (Germany). They shared best practices from their countries and discussed how these could be adapted to the Indian context. This session highlighted the importance of learning from international experiences to improve local practices in used oil management.

The session on Auto OEMs highlighted their efforts in improving used oil collection and re-refining. Panellists included Prashant Banerjee from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), R. Ramaprabhu from Mahindra & Mahindra, Kedar Gore from Rosefield Energy Tech, and Senthil Kumar from Ashok Leyland. They discussed challenges with current regulations and market conditions, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to overcome these obstacles.

The session focused on the role of re-refiners in BIS regulations for Used Motor Oil (UMO) and Recycled, Re-refined Base Oils (RRBO). Speakers included Sudhir Sachdeva from Siddharth Grease, Gaurav Maheshwari from Shell, Sarvesh Kumar from IOCL, Meenal Passi from BIS, and Philip Mathew from PRAI. They covered contemporary standards, technological advancements, and industry challenges, stressing the need for consistent RRBO quality and government support for re-refining technologies.

The conference concluded with a session on developing a unified roadmap for the lubricant industry. Panellists included Dr. SSV Ramakumar from IOCL, Sandeep Kalia from Valvoline, Arijit Basu from Veedol, Sanjay Kumar from HPCL, Manish Sharma from RECEIC, Sudhir Kumar from Niti Aayog, and Senthil Kumar from Ashok Leyland. They emphasised stakeholder collaboration, technological advancements, and effective logistics. Key takeaways included improving reverse logistics, OEM support for EPR, and necessary regulatory updates to ensure a sustainable future.

A significant highlight of the conference was the launch of Rosefield's "RecykLube" initiative. This project aims to revolutionise oil collection through advanced technology, ensuring end-to-end visibility and monetary transparency in used oil collection. The initiative received widespread acclaim for its potential to enhance EPR compliance and drive the industry toward greater sustainability.

The event saw participation from over 120 companies, including Public Sector Units (PSUs) such as IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL; top lubricant manufacturers like Lubrizol Corporation, Castrol, Tide Water Oil, PETRONAS, Exxon Mobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies; Auto OEMs like Ashok Leyland, Honda Motocorp, Hyundai Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors, and Skoda; local and global re-refiners; and government officials from Niti Aayog, CPCB, and BIS. This diverse participation underscored the broad interest and commitment across the industry to embrace sustainable practices and innovative solutions.

The conference sessions featured insightful presentations and panel discussions. Delegates had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and experts, gaining valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in used oil management. The discussions emphasised the need for technological and policy advancements to support sustainable practices and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to achieve common goals. Networking opportunities were abundant throughout the event, leading to numerous collaborative ventures.

The event highlighted Rosefield Energy Tech’s commitment to sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials and practices. Attendees were provided with glass bottles and recycled material kit bags. The venue displayed digital standees, and digital Q&A and feedback forms were used to minimise paper waste. Tree planting certificates were issued to felicitate the guests of honour, further emphasising the conference's focus on environmental responsibility.

The 3rd Rosefield Conference on Circular Economy in Used Oil successfully brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and international experts to discuss and devise strategies for a sustainable future. The discussions and initiatives highlighted during the conference underscored the industry's commitment to embracing a circular economy through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. As the industry moves forward into the EPR era, the insights and strategies shared at this conference will play a crucial role in shaping the future of used oil management in India.

(Krishi Jagran was the media partner of the conference)