As the world celebrates World Sustainability Day, Runaya – a zero-waste, zero- discharge aluminium processing facility is targeting carbon-positive future through sustainable technologies. The company aims to achieve 100% water positivity and renewable energy utilization within the next 3 years. The company’s green recovery initiatives have been instrumental in saving equivalent of 150,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Speaking to Financial Express after releasing the Runaya Sustainability Report, 2023, Naivedya Agarwal, Co-founder and MD, Runaya said, “We have made substantial strides in reducing our carbon footprint, particularly through our aluminium recycling efforts. By recovering 7,500 metric tonnes of green aluminium from 21,500 tonnes of aluminium dross, our operations emit just 655 kg of CO2 per tonne, approximately 95% less than the industry average of 15,600 kg per tonne. This reduction is equivalent to saving 150,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.”
Balancing cost and innovation
According to Runaya, sustainable practices have been key drivers of profitability. Since inception, the company has generated annual revenues of Rs 400 crore within three years, and the green aluminium recovery business has helped reduce operational costs through energy efficiency and waste minimization. They are also saving on cost by converting hazardous by-products like aluminium dross into value-added products while unlocking new revenue streams.
Additionally, the long-term economic benefits of reducing reliance on primary raw materials and embracing a circular economy model enhances the profitability. “This combination of sustainable innovation and cost-saving initiatives ensures that our business thrives while contributing positively to the environment,” added Agarwal.
Savings in terms of carbon footprints
The aluminium recycling efforts have transmitted into significant savings. Agarwal pointed out that, “By recovering 7,500 metric tonnes of green aluminium from 21,500 tonnes of aluminium dross, our operations emit just 655 kg of CO2 per tonne, approximately 95% less than the industry average of 15,600 kg per tonne. This reduction is equivalent to saving 150,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.”
Countdown to COP 29
As the countdown to COP 29 begins, Runaya says that it is committed to supporting India’s COP26 goals of achieving net zero emissions by 2070. “We aim to be carbon neutral by FY26-27 through innovations in resource recovery, green aluminium production, and sustainable waste management. Our efforts directly contribute to reducing industrial waste and carbon emissions, aligning with India’s pledge to cut 1 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2030,” concluded Agarwal.