In a world drowning in plastic, the urgency to confront its devastating consequences has never been more pressing. The relentless tide of plastic waste is wreaking havoc on our environment, underscoring the critical need for immediate and concerted action. Each discarded fragment embodies a collective failure, a stark reminder of our role in this crisis. 

The time has come to rise above convenience and embrace responsibility, steering our efforts towards a sustainable future. As the plastic epidemic escalates, so must our determination to stem the tide and safeguard the planet for generations to come.

Shouldering the responsibility, the team behind Jindal Stainless, along with the Green Dream Foundation, took a monumental step, determined to make their mark in environmental conservation. Their resolute commitment led them to address the staggering challenge of plastic waste head-on. Their impactful actions served as a poignant reminder that change starts with purpose-driven initiatives and a steadfast dedication to preserving our planet.

The business adhered to strict environmental guidelines. At their Jaipur and Hisar plants, the thorough energy audits, which included targeted energy efficiency and conservation measures, saved 145 lakh units of electricity and 17,542 billion calories of thermal energy during FY23.

Making The World A Better Place

To commemorate World Environment Day on June 5, 2023, hundreds of workers at Jindal Stainless took part in a collection campaign for plastic garbage that was held at the corporate office and industrial facilities in Hisar and Jajpur. With this campaign, the Green Dream Foundation hopes to draw attention back to its ongoing work and commitment to sustainability, ethical waste management, and the decrease of plastic waste.

The second round of the company's plastic waste collection program, which was expanded to include their manufacturing sites this year, was completed, according to Abhyuday Jindal, managing director of Jindal Stainless. Over two tonnes of plastic garbage were collected during this round. 

Significant Changes At The Plant Level

The Hisar facility started a transition from a thermal energy-intensive industrial setting to renewable energy alternatives during FY 2022–2023 that included the use of biofuels, solar energy, Green Hydrogen, and recycling of Interleaving Paper (ILP), among other things.

The business is implementing technology to produce biogas and compost using food and horticulture waste as part of its waste-to-wealth initiative. By recycling food and plant waste, the plants in Hisar and Jaipur will each produce 55 metric tonnes of compost annually. 

Throughout their 25-year lifespans, the rooftop and floating solar power plants that will be put into service in Jajpur and Hisar during FY 2022–23 are expected to produce more than 2.95 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions and more than 329 million kWh of clean power, respectively. At both plants, a second 27 MWp rooftop solar project has already begun. Their Jajpur facility will get 100 MW of power from the Round the Clock RE Power project thanks to a signed memorandum of understanding.

Jindal Stainless has embarked on a series of significant changes to bolster its commitment to sustainability during the fiscal year 2022-23. The transformation journey began at the Hisar factory, where a strategic shift from thermally energy-intensive production to renewable alternatives took place. This shift included the integration of solar and Green Hydrogen energy, the adoption of biofuels, recycling initiatives, and the implementation of energy-efficient practices.

Another stride towards sustainability was made through innovative waste-to-wealth initiatives. By utilizing technology to convert food and horticulture waste into compost and biogas, the company's Hisar and Jaipur plants are set to generate an impressive annual output of 55 metric tonnes of compost each.

In a decisive move to minimize carbon emissions, the Jajpur plant has incorporated four additional electric cars, resulting in a reduction of 54 tonnes in overall carbon emissions. To advance carbon neutrality, the company is planning to transition to electric buses for staff transportation.

A water-wise approach is also evident, with the Jajpur facility conserving resources by allocating 39% of its total water usage to recycled and harvested water sources.

As part of its unwavering pursuit of sustainability, Jindal Stainless remains dedicated to ongoing progress in this domain. While actively embracing cutting-edge technologies, the company also explores innovative strategies to further curtail its environmental impact.

Impact Created

This aided Jindal Stainless in reducing carbon emissions by almost 1 lakh tonnes in the most recent fiscal year (FY23) and by an aggregate amount of nearly 2.4 lakh tonnes over the previous two fiscal years (FY22 and FY23).

More than 1,500 employees took part in this plastic collection initiative. In Jajpur, almost 1,100 kg of plastic waste, over 750 kg in Hisar, and about 150 kg at the corporate office in Gurgaon were collected. A gift of appreciation was given to each attendee. The campaign's gathered plastic debris will once again be used to create functional items like benches, seats, and trash cans. But this time, after engaging the local authorities, the business hopes to place these aesthetically pleasing artworks in public areas.

Way Ahead

At Jindal Stainless, an unyielding dedication to sustainability serves as the North Star guiding every decision, with a resolute focus on uplifting society. Pioneering India's stainless steel sector, the company is unwavering in its pursuit of leaving an indelible mark on future generations.

Their endeavors encompass a tapestry of initiatives – fortifying waste heat recovery systems, embracing renewable energy sources, championing energy-saving projects, transitioning to eco-friendly rail transport, championing waste material recycling, and amplifying the infusion of renewable energy in CSR initiatives.

Determinedly responsible, Jindal Stainless propels sustainable operations forward. With a vision to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the company conducts monthly environmental audits. It embraces state-of-the-art solutions like dust extraction systems, electrostatic precipitators, bag filters, and dry fog systems to address air emissions. Moreover, their separate effluent treatment plants and sewage treatment facilities adhere rigorously to State Pollution Control Boards' standards.

As pioneers of sustainability, Jindal Stainless exemplifies a resounding commitment to shaping a future that thrives harmoniously with nature.