02 June,2026 07:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner, Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal and Finland`s Consul General Erik Hallstrom at the event. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Maharashtra and Finland on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to advancing circular economy and waste-to-value solutions, highlighting their potential to drive sustainable economic growth, resource efficiency and climate resilience.
The commitment was reiterated during the Maharashtra Circular Economy Conclave, jointly organised by the Consulate General of Finland and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) ahead of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026, which will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking the first time the global forum is being hosted in Asia.
The conclave brought together policymakers, industry leaders, startups, innovators and sustainability experts from Maharashtra and Finland to explore opportunities for collaboration in circular economy infrastructure, sustainable industrial development and resource-efficient growth.
The event comes against the backdrop of Finnish President Alexander Stubb's recent state visit to India, during which the two countries strengthened cooperation in sustainability and digitalisation. Discussions between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Finnish leaders also focused on expanding circular economy initiatives and attracting sustainable investments.
Addressing the gathering, Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal said circularity must become an integral part of the state's development model.
"Nature operates in circles, not in straight lines. The sun, earth, seasons, water cycle, and even human life itself remind us that sustainability is about remaining closer to nature and minimizing waste. As we pursue economic growth, we must ensure that both material and energy circularity become integral to our development model," he said.
Aggarwal also said that Finland's leadership in sustainability and Maharashtra's commitment to innovative policies could together create meaningful solutions and set new benchmarks for sustainable development.
Discussions at the conclave focused on Maharashtra's proposed Circular Economy Policy and ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable industrial ecosystems.
Discussions also highlighted recent policy measures, including the memorandum of understanding signed between the state's Environment and Climate Change Department and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages for the collection and recycling of used PET bottles.
The deliberations further discussed the Maharashtra State Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy, under which Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for waste-to-energy and clean fuel projects during the 2026-27 financial year.
MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee said principles of circular economy have long been embedded in India's traditional practices of reuse, recycling and community-based resource management.
He cited Dharavi as one of the world's most prominent examples of a functioning circular economy ecosystem and stressed the need to recognise the contribution of waste pickers and sanitation workers.
Mukherjee also highlighted the role of large-scale public infrastructure projects in reducing fuel consumption and conserving natural resources.
"MMRDA is at forefront of achieving sustainable MMR development in years to come which are foundation to the circular economy principles. I am confident that this conclave will culminate in a meaningful roadmap that outlines both achievements and future opportunities for advancing circular economy practices," he said.
Speaking at the event, Finland's Consul General Erik af Hallstrom said the partnership between Finland and Maharashtra is increasingly focused on sustainability, innovation and resilient urban development.
"We witnessed strong enthusiasm among businesses and policy experts from both countries to expand circular economy discussions beyond conventional waste management. The focus is increasingly shifting towards waste-to-value solutions that can optimise supply chains, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and support resilient urban infrastructure for a climate-conscious future," he said.
As an official side event of WCEF 2026, the conclave also facilitated business-to-business and business-to-government interactions aimed at identifying investment opportunities and developing waste-to-value ecosystems.
