Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 3: As India prepares to host the World Circular Economy Forum in 2026, Finland plans to hold roadshows across major Indian cities to highlight circular economy practices and the opportunities they bring.
“India will host the next edition of the World Circular Economy Forum next October. We want to spread awareness about circular economy not just as a waste management issue, but also in product design and production to extend product lifespans,” said Kimmo Lahdevirta, Finland’s Ambassador to India, during an exclusive interaction with The Hindu in Mumbai. He added that each city will focus on sector-specific priorities, such as textiles in Ahmedabad and IT in Bengaluru.
India’s circular economy is projected to reach a market value of $2 trillion and generate 10 million jobs by 2050, according to the Government of India. Currently, the focus is on waste management and recycling. Finnish Innovation Fund SITRA emphasized that opportunities extend beyond waste management into multiple sectors.
“Switching to a circular model could generate $4.5 trillion in economic benefits by 2030, reduce emissions, create stable jobs, and open new green markets,” said Mika Sulkinoja, senior lead at SITRA. “Over 70% of CEOs are now exploring circular economy opportunities to enhance value chains, close loops, and secure supply chains.”
Shalini Goyal Bhalla, founder and managing director of the International Council for Circular Economy, stressed the need for broader corporate adoption in India. “The transition is lacking, as SMEs are still not onboard. Managing electronic waste effectively remains a key challenge,” she said.
Ambassador Lahdevirta was leading a two-day business delegation of 20 Finnish companies including Nokia, Kone Elevators, Wärtsilä, Elematic, Lindström, Konecranes, Normet, Mirasys, Tana, and Vaisala.
Highlighting Maharashtra’s potential, Lahdevirta said, “Maharashtra is the powerhouse of India with strong infrastructure. Finnish companies see opportunities in renewable energy, grid management, and balancing power demands as India moves towards cleaner energy.”
The delegation met Maharashtra government officials to explore investment policies, infrastructure, and economic vision, identifying opportunities for sustainable industrial development, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation.