These 7 companies are serious about sustainability. Should you invest in them?

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more sustainable future. A key element of this strategy is the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies. Recent events highlight the tightrope walk companies must perform to balance environmental responsibility with business interests.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) recently challenged the environment ministry’s decision to expand EPR rules for e-waste to include telecom equipment. This exemplifies the complexities of EPR, a policy designed to promote a circular economy by making producers accountable for the entire life cycle of their products. First introduced in the European Union, EPR puts the onus on companies to design products with reusability and recyclability in mind, while also ensuring responsible waste-management practices.

Companies can fulfil their EPR obligations by directly collecting and processing their waste or by participating in a certificate-trading system. As India strengthens its EPR framework, let's delve into the companies that are already embracing this policy. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) isIndia's leading Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, witha portfolio of more than 44 brands in 14 diverse categories such as fabric solutions, home and hygiene, skincare, and food.

HUL prioritises a circular-economy approach as in its pursuit of a "waste-free world" and has committed to reducing production waste, food waste and plastic pollution. It is a participant in India's EPR programme for plastic waste management. While the programme began in February 2022, the company has been collecting and recording data on plastic waste since 2018.