Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life.
Context
FMCGs should be a priority target sector for ANRF, the new public-private partnership initiative, and the BioE3 policy of the government.
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 28th October 2024
Sustainability science for FMCGs
India’s recently established Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy underscore the importance of academia-industry collaboration in promoting sustainable development. With a focus on converting chemical-based industries to bio-based models, these initiatives are poised to drive India’s bioeconomy forward, in line with its climate action goals.
The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, particularly the soap sector, is one of the industries where such bio-based transitions can be impactful, starting with reducing the use of palm oil.
Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)
- Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) are products that are sold quickly and at relatively low cost. These items are characterized by high turnover rates and are generally consumed frequently. FMCG includes everyday essential products that people use regularly.
- Examples of FMCG Products:
- Food and Beverages: Packaged food, snacks, soft drinks, and dairy products.
- Personal Care Products: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorants.
- Household Products: Detergents, cleaning supplies, paper products (tissues, toilet paper).
- Over-the-counter Medicines: Common health supplements and medicines like painkillers and vitamins.
The Environmental Impact of Palm Oil in Soap Production
- Heavy Palm Oil Dependence: The global soap industry is a significant user of palm oil, with about 90% of plantations located in Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula.
- Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss: Palm oil cultivation has led to widespread deforestation, threatening ecosystems and causing habitat loss in forested regions.
- Challenges in Replacing Palm Oil: Palm oil provides relatively higher yields compared to other vegetable oils and accounts for 40% of global vegetable oil demand, making it difficult to replace.
- Functions of Palm Oil in Soap: Palm oil fatty acids contribute to soap’s cleansing properties and structure, but new technologies could help replace its role in soap manufacturing.
Emerging Technologies for Reducing Palm Oil Use
- Synthetic Biotechnologies: These can potentially create artificial fatty acid chains that mimic the structural properties of palm oil in soap bars.
- Bio-based Alternatives: Materials like plant-based polysaccharides could replace the fatty matter in soaps, reducing dependence on palm oil while maintaining product quality.
- Enhanced Soap Functionality: With reduced palm oil content, other beneficial agents, such as antimicrobial peptides or molecules that enhance skin immunity, could be incorporated into soaps.
- Government and Civil Society Support: Strong support for research and development across the soap value chain, including packaging innovations to eliminate plastic, is essential for the adoption of bio-based materials.
Locally Grown Sustainable Palm Oil
- National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm: Launched in August 2021, this mission aims to expand oil palm production in India to 10 lakh hectares and increase crude palm oil production to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26.
- Sustainable Practices: The programme must follow the ‘No Deforestation, No Peat’ policy, ensuring plantations do not disrupt local ecosystems.
- Ecological Research: A comprehensive ecological research initiative is necessary to assess the long-term impact of monoculture palm plantations on India’s biodiversity.
- Regenerative Agriculture: Working with smallholder farmers to implement regenerative farming practices will ensure that palm oil cultivation is sustainable.
Regulatory Support for Reducing Palm Oil Use in Soaps
- Current Soap Standards: Toilet soap grades are determined by the fatty material content, creating a perception that higher fatty content equals better quality, which is misleading.
- Need for New Standards: Regulatory changes should shift towards performance-based standards, incentivizing newer technologies focused on consumer benefit, safety, and sustainability.
- Mandatory Sustainability Labelling: Introducing mandatory labels indicating the sustainability of products based on their procurement and production processes can help consumers make informed choices.
- Fiscal Incentives for Sustainable Practices: Government support through research funding and fiscal incentives is needed to promote industry innovation and offset the higher costs associated with sustainable palm oil production and alternative technologies.
Conclusion
India’s move towards a bio-based economy, driven by the ANRF and the BioE3 policy, offers an excellent opportunity to transition industries like FMCG into more sustainable models. Reducing palm oil use in soap production through bio-based alternatives, sustainable practices, and supportive regulation could pave the way for a more environmentally friendly and economically viable future. This approach aligns with India’s goals of sustainability, self-reliance, and climate action, starting with everyday products that have a broad impact.
Related PYQ
Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2014]
Practice Question
Discuss the significance of India’s BioE3 policy and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in promoting sustainable industrial practices. How can these initiatives contribute to reducing environmental impacts in the FMCG sector? [250 words]
Guidelines for Answering the Question
- Introduction:
- Briefly introduce the BioE3 policy and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
- Body:
- Explain how these initiatives foster academia-industry partnerships to drive innovation in sustainable practices.
- Highlight the role of these policies in advancing biotechnology for economic and environmental benefits.
- Mention the focus on transitioning from chemical-based to bio-based industrial models.
- Emphasize the need for government funding and fiscal incentives to support research and industry transitions.
- Discuss the importance of regulatory reforms, such as shifting soap standards from fatty material content to performance-based criteria.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the potential of ANRF and BioE3 policy in promoting sustainable industrial practices.