Chennai: The CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI) in Chennai commemorated National Technology Day and World Environment Day 2025 with a joint celebration on Wednesday, underscoring the pivotal role of science and technology in promoting environmental sustainability.

The event brought together scientists, academicians, environmentalists, and industry leaders to deliberate on sustainable innovations in the leather and allied sectors. Dr. K. J. Sreeram, Director of CSIR-CLRI, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the institute's commitment to eco-friendly technologies, particularly in leather products, sustainable fashion, and alternative materials.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Atul Narayan Vaidya, Vice-Chancellor of Laxminarayan Innovation Technological University, Nagpur, spoke on “Beating Plastic Pollution: Environmental and Technological Perspective.” He stressed the urgency for innovative, field-ready solutions to tackle the escalating plastic crisis. Dr. Vaidya emphasized the need for effective monitoring systems, public engagement, and the seamless transition of lab-based research to practical applications.

Earlier, Dr. S. Ganesh, Senior Principal Scientist and Head of the Knowledge Portfolio Management Unit at CSIR-CLRI, provided a background on the significance of National Technology Day and World Environment Day, setting the context for the day's proceedings.

As part of the celebration, certificates were awarded to inventors responsible for successful technology transfers to industry partners, acknowledging their contributions to applied innovation and sustainability.

The event reinforced CSIR-CLRI's leadership in integrating environmental concerns with technological advancements for a cleaner, more sustainable future.