# Vedanta-ESL reinforces plant-wide ban on single-use plastic
RNS I Bokaro: ESL Steel Limited, a group company of Vedanta, has implemented a number of environmental and sustainable efforts, including the process of recycling and further use of plastic for construction of roads.
Being a caring and responsible brand, ESL had imposed a plant-wide ban on single-use plastic ever since its inception in 2019, informed a Public Relation Official of ESL.
Conscious about the rising pollution and rapid climatic changes, ESL has been running an extensive awareness campaign sensitizing people on the hazards of single-use plastic usage. Under the campaign, ESL encourages people to replace plastic with environment friendly product wherever possible, including bottles, furniture, doors and home/office accessories.
Believers of “leading by example,” ESL kick started the awareness session firstly among its own employees. The company has already abolished the use of plastic cups within its plant and is constantly educating its employees on how to reduce single-use plastic. To promote natural and biodegradable materials and discourage the use of plastic, ESL has also distributed jute bags among its workforce.
Speaking on the occasion, N.L. Vhatte, CEO, ESL Steel Limited said, “Deeply concerned about the nature and environment, ESL has always been inclined towards initiatives that reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”
With dramatic changes in the climatic conditions across the world, I consider it everyone’s duty to act responsibly and abolish the use of plastic that is continuing to increase landfill and cause pollution. Therefore, ESL is doing everything possible to stay true to its tag of being a caring and responsible brand. In the longer run, we plan to completely ban the use of plastic and become India’s leading sustainable steel player, he said.
The steel major has also decided to add the Extended Producer Responsibility Clause in its vendor agreements. Additionally, ESL plans to reduce external plastic and packaging delivery.
Keeping environment and waste management high on its priority list, ESL has ensured 100% utilization of fly ash, zero liquid discharge and complete e-waste disposal. It also undertook the internal use of LD Slag for village road construction by the Civil Department.
Additionally, the company has developed a greenbelt by planting 1,36,000 saplings so far.
Besides that, ESL has been converting all its vehicles into EVs and gradually inching closer to its goal of fully shifting to EVs by 2025. Aiming to reduce carbon footprint, fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHS) emissions, ESL, on the occasion of Republic Day 2021, had launched 40 E-cycles and 10 E-scooters under its #ESLRidesGreen campaign in association with EVeez, an electric vehicle subscription platform. The EVs are currently being used within the plant premises by ESL employees.
