Kumar emphasised the imperative for businesses to recognise the commercial aspect of sustainability initiatives. He stated, “It’s extremely important that businesses see a commercial business case in doing what they need to do”

In a recent interview with BW BusinessWorld ,  Vipul Kumar senior partner of Xynteo, an esteemed expert in sustainable development and private sector operations, provided invaluable insights into the integration of climate action and sustainability into business operations. Kumar emphasised the crucial role of waste segregation at the source in driving sustainable practices, underscoring its significance in the broader context of environmental conservation. Kumar commenced the discussion by highlighting the direct linkage between business operations and their impact on climate. He stressed the necessity for businesses to adopt clear strategies addressing areas where emissions occur, asserting, “If you have a clear business strategy addressing those specific areas where emissions are happening it is pretty much feasible to do.”

Moreover, Kumar emphasised the imperative for businesses to recognise the commercial aspect of sustainability initiatives. He stated, “It’s extremely important that businesses see a commercial business case in doing what they need to do,” emphasising the need to align sustainability efforts with profitability. Kumar illustrated this point by elucidating the concept of “ecosystems of circularity,” wherein waste products are monetised, thereby rendering sustainability economically viable.

A pivotal aspect of Kumar’s discussion was the emphasis on waste segregation at the source as a fundamental component of sustainable waste management. He articulated, “When you kind of segregate the plastic at source. Plastics have different categories all the different categories of plastics you don’t segregate, you know, the wrapper of milk, you don’t segregate that.” Kumar underscored the importance of segregating waste into distinct categories at the household level to facilitate efficient recycling and processing downstream.

Furthermore, Kumar elaborated on the process of waste segregation and processing at facilities, emphasising its role in maximising resource recovery and minimising environmental impact. He highlighted the significance of recognising the commercial value of waste products throughout the value chain, stating, “It’s almost like working in a value chain… there’s a business case for different products for different organisations in the different parts of the value chain.”

Kumar also emphasised the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in addressing sustainability challenges. He cited examples of successful partnerships, such as the establishment of material recovery facilities, where waste is segregated and processed into valuable resources. Kumar emphasised, “If you involve organisations with independent commercial value in the bigger problem-solving it almost becomes like you’re trying to solve a big problem with multiple organisations contributing meaningfully to the problem-solving.”

Kumar’s insights underscore the imperative for businesses to integrate climate action and sustainability into their operations while emphasising the commercial viability of such initiatives. His emphasis on waste segregation at the source serves as a cornerstone for effective waste management practices, highlighting its crucial role in achieving environmental sustainability.

Incorporating Kumar’s perspectives, businesses can adopt proactive measures to address climate change and environmental degradation while simultaneously driving economic growth and profitability. As Kumar aptly stated, “It’s extremely important that there is a commerciality around it,” signifying the pivotal role of sustainability in shaping the future of business operations.