As the world unites to end plastic pollution, Indian industry leaders—from real estate to renewable energy—are reimagining sustainability as a shared responsibility and transformative opportunity
As the world comes together to mark World Environment Day 2025 under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution,” industries across the spectrum—from renewable energy and real estate to manufacturing, food services, and education—are stepping up to meet the moment. With over 430 million tonnes of plastic produced globally each year, and less than 9% recycled, the urgency of the plastic crisis has shifted sustainability from a policy aspiration to an operational imperative.
In India, this call to action is being met with bold leadership, systemic innovation, and a deep sense of shared responsibility. Businesses are rethinking materials and manufacturing, educators are embedding climate literacy into learning, developers are designing for low-carbon futures, and waste management pioneers are turning trash into transformation. From boardrooms to campuses, a new wave of climate-conscious thinking is shaping how we build, consume, educate, and live.
World Environment Day is no longer just a symbolic calendar event—it’s become a catalyst for cross-sector accountability and regenerative action.Here is what the Industry leaders says on the World Environment Day:-
“Sustainability isn’t just about promoting clean energy—it’s about how we build, source, and deliver,” says Divya Prakash Choraria, CEO of Wattpower. “Every step matters. Our aim is to create thoughtful, long-lasting, and safe energy solutions that serve both people and the planet.”
Others in the renewable energy space are also highlighting the unintended consequences of innovation. Praveen Kakulte, CEO of POWERCON Group, warns, “Even in clean tech, materials like fibre-reinforced plastics used in turbines pose long-term waste challenges. The real innovation lies in preventing plastic creation altogether and redesigning with sustainability from the outset.”
Beyond power and infrastructure, voices from the circular economy and waste management sectors are reinforcing the need for a systems-level mindset.
“The planet doesn’t just need applause—it needs accountability,” declares Rajesh Gupta, Founder of Recyclekaro. “Sustainability is not a niche; it must be embedded in every household and industry. Waste isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something new.”
A similar call for systemic change comes from Dr. Miniya Chatterji, CEO of Sustain Labs Paris:
“Plastic pollution reflects a deeper failure in how we produce, consume, and educate. Solving it means shifting mindsets—starting in classrooms and extending to boardrooms. At Sustain Labs Paris, we build climate leaders, not just climate programs.”
From corporations to campuses, sustainability is no longer seen as optional. Dr. Urmi Thakkar of Somaiya Vidyavihar University asserts,
“Sustainability must be lived, not just learned. From composting systems to solar-powered transport, we ensure students experience real-world environmental responsibility every day.”
The real estate sector, a major contributor to emissions, is also stepping up.
“Sustainability is at the core of everything we build,” says Mr. Lalit Aggarwal, Co-founder of Signature Global. “With IGBC and EDGE-certified developments and plans to plant 25,000 trees, we are aligning our operations with India’s climate goals.”
Minal Srinivasan, MD of Kesari Infrabuild, adds, “We need sustainable infrastructure powered by solar, backed by policy support and accessible green financing. Growth must go hand in hand with responsibility.”
Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman of Krisumi Corporation, emphasizes that “eco-friendly architecture must become the new norm. Real estate has the potential to accelerate India’s net-zero vision, especially as it accounts for over 30% of GHG emissions.”
These shifts are supported by emerging global trends. A McKinsey study recently revealed that ESG-focused companies see stronger long-term performance, while the International Energy Agency affirms that the built environment could deliver 20% of the emissions reductions needed to cap global warming at 1.5°C.
But the challenge of plastic pollution extends beyond buildings and into every product, practice, and purchase.
“Plastic is more than a litter problem—it’s a production and consumption crisis,” says Chaitanya Kalia of EY India. “We need material innovation, industry accountability, and a whole-of-society approach to transition from a throwaway economy to a regenerative one.”
From hospitality to manufacturing, companies are internalizing this philosophy.
Smita Jatia, Vice Chairperson of Westlife Foodworld, reflects, “We’ve eliminated single-use plastics across all customer touchpoints. Environmental consciousness drives every business decision because today’s companies must innovate with the planet in mind.”
Summit Salunke, Vice Chairman of Sumeet Group, shares, “Ending plastic pollution is a moral imperative. Whether it’s waste recovery or community education, our aim is to turn clean habits into a way of life.”
Finally, the call to action is personal, not just institutional.
“Sustainability can’t be outsourced,” says Ankit Mathur, CEO of Greenway Grameen. “It starts with the individual—with mindful consumption, reduced waste, and energy-efficient choices in our homes. Change begins with better everyday decisions.”
On World Environment Day 2025, the message from India’s leaders is clear: plastic pollution is a symptom, but the cure lies in collaboration, innovation, and accountability. From real estate and renewable energy to education and enterprise, sustainability is becoming a lived value, not a buzzword.
As India marches toward its net-zero target by 2070, the groundwork laid today—in green buildings, circular systems, climate leadership, and conscious choices—will determine the health of our planet tomorrow.
Let this day be more than symbolic. Let it be a turning point.