CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), Chennai, celebrated World Environment Day and National Technology Day on 4 June 2024. Dr KJ Sreeram, Director, CSIR-CLRI, welcomed the Chief Guest, Shri Venkatadri Karuppampalayam Ranganathan, Chief Commercial Officer, M/s Tata Chemicals, Mumbai; Shri P Rajasekaran, Business Head, Finished Leathers, Tata International Limited, Dewas; Scientists and Researchers of the Institute.

Shri KR Venkatadri delivered a Technology & Environment Day lecture on “Pioneering Sustainability: Bridging Tech & the Environment”. While delivering the lecture, Mr Venkatadri discussed the need for an innovation team in the research group, assessing the market and its value for the research outcomes, different levels of technology development and its environmental sustainability.

An Agreement concerning licensing the technology as “GENOCORIUM, a regenerated leather for applications in lifestyle products, was exchanged between M/s Tata International Limited (TIL) and CSIR-CLRI. Dr P Saravanan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CLRI, and Shri P Rajasekaran shared the advantages of this eco-friendly technology and its business opportunities in the global market, respectively. A short film on environmental sustainability was screened to create awareness among the participants. 

A Software on Contractual Document Information Retrieval System was also released during the programme. Dr Subhendu Chakrabarti, Chief Scientist, highlighted the importance of the programme and its details. On this occasion, certificates of appreciation was issued to Scientists who have developed and commercialised various technologies. 

In continuation of World Environment Day celebrations, Shri Karthikeyan, IFS, Assistant Inspector General of Forests, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Regional Office, Chennai, visited CSIR-CLRI and interacted with Dr KJ Sreeram, Director, CSIR-CLRI and a team of scientists. Director CSIR-CLRI explained the role of CLRI in protecting the environment and the initiatives taken on campus to enhance greenery. Besides, saplings were planted by Shri Karthikeyan, Dr KJ Sreeram, and other members of CSIR-CLRI. The celebrations were also organised at CLRI Regional Centres at Ahmadabad, Jalandhar, Kanpur, and Kolkata.