The CSR South 2025 event, held on March 16, 2025, at Shilpakala Vedika, Hyderabad, brought together corporate leaders, sustainability advocates, and policymakers to discuss strategies for sustainable development and corporate responsibility. Among the standout sessions was an insightful discussion led by N Umakanth, a sustainability champion at ITC Limited, who emphasized the importance of circular economy practices and innovative waste management solutions.
Leading the Charge Towards a Zero-Waste Future
With a deep commitment to minimizing waste and enhancing resource efficiency, N Umakanth highlighted how businesses must integrate sustainability into their core operations. He showcased ITC’s Wellbeing Out of Waste (WOW) program, a pioneering initiative that addresses India’s waste management challenges while creating sustainable livelihoods.
“Circular economy is not just about waste reduction—it’s about creating value from what we discard, ensuring long-term environmental and social benefits,” he stated, reinforcing the need for corporate-led waste management solutions.
Key Takeaways from N Umakanth’s Session
✔ Sustainable Waste Solutions: ITC’s model focuses on resource recovery, recycling, and responsible waste management to build a sustainable ecosystem.
✔ Community Impact: Over 27.7 million residents and 7.1 million students have been educated on sustainability and waste segregation through ITC’s initiatives.
✔ Livelihood Creation: The WOW program has improved the working conditions and financial security of over 17,750 waste collectors by formalizing their roles.
Scaling Circular Economy Through Corporate Collaboration
Under ITC’s WOW model, large-scale collaborations with corporations, NGOs, and local governments are driving meaningful change. The program diverts over 60,000 metric tons of dry waste from landfills annually, strengthening the zero-waste vision for the future.
As he concluded his session, N Umakanth urged industries to adopt sustainable waste management systems, emphasizing that corporate actions play a crucial role in environmental protection. His insights served as a powerful call to action for businesses to embrace circular economy principles and drive long-term sustainability.
