JICA and JIT Inc. launches installation of used printer ink collection boxes at Delhi Metro stations to promote sustainable recycling

The initiative under SDGs Business Validation Survey aims to foster circular economy, boost recycling awareness, and develop sustainable industries in India.

New Delhi, July 22, 2024

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has announced the launch of its SDGs Business Validation Survey for recycling and reusing printer ink bottles, marking a significant step towards sustainability and environmental stewardship in India. This initiative, funded by JICA and led by JIT Inc., a leading recycling business in Japan, includes the installation of used printer ink collection boxes at Delhi Metro stations, with an aim to promote the recycling and proper disposal of printer ink cartridges leading to the development of a circular economy in India. The launch ceremony took place on July 19th at the Auditorium of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests from both public and private sectors including H. E. Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to India, Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director, Delhi Metro Railway Corporation, and Dr. Ranjeet Metha, Executive Director, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Video messages from Noriko Horiuchi, a member of the house of representatives, Japan and H.E. Taro Kono, Minister for Digital Transformation of Japan were also presented during the ceremony.

The project addresses the critical challenge of waste management in India's rapidly growing urban centers, with a focus on the expanding ink cartridges market. Following a formal agreement with Delhi Metro in June 2024 to install collection boxes at 15 Delhi Metro Stations, the ceremony was held with the aim of promoting their use in India and building a recyclingoriented circular economy. The rapidly expanding ink cartridges market in India, necessitates the promotion of good recycling practices to meet the targets set by the Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules of July 2022. This initiative will help create an effective collection system for used ink cartridges while raising public awareness about the importance of recycling.

Commenting on the launch ceremony, SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India, said, “As India continues to grow and urbanize, the management of waste, especially plastic waste, has become a critical challenge. This initiative by JICA and JIT Inc. is a significant step towards addressing this issue by promoting recycling and sustainability. We are confident that this project will not only help in reducing waste but also raise awareness among citizens about the importance of recycling, thereby contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for India.”

Masato Ishizaka, Chairman of JIT Inc expressed his gratitude for supporting this noble initiative. He informed, JIT operates a recycling business in Japan using collection boxes for printer ink cartridges and is developing its business with the aim of contributing to solving the waste problem in India with the support of JICA.

Further, Ishizaka believes that the spread of collection boxes and the establishment of a circular economy in India, which has the world's largest population (1.44 billion), are highly important for the realisation of the SDGs, which are common issues for all humanity.

The project is expected to have substantial social impact. It aims to reduce landfill e-waste and plastic waste, decrease incineration and waste disposal costs, and establish a local system to manage e-waste and plastic waste. Additionally, the project will increase public awareness and participation in recycling and create job opportunities in the recycling sector.