Finland-India Partnership Takes Centre Stage at India Circular Economy Forum 2026

Finland- India collaboration took centre stage on the second day of the India Circular Economy Forum 2026 (ICEF2026), with policymakers, businesses, investors and circular economy experts discussing opportunities to develop resource efficient and resilient value chains under the evolving India- EU economic partnership.

Held under the theme, 'Harmonising Value Chains: The New India EU Trade Era,' the forum focused on strengthening cooperation between Indian and Finnish companies in circular economy, sustainable business and resource efficiency. The event also served as a precursor roadshow to the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 (WCEF 2026), which will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from September 15 to 18.

Dr Antti Herlevi, Counselor for Trade and Investments covering Water, Forest and Circular Economy at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, said that more than 100 Finnish companies are already active in India across areas including clean energy, waste management, recycling, digital solutions and sustainable design.

He said that the growing Indian market presents opportunities for Finnish companies to work with local partners by combining Finnish expertise and technology with India's scale to support resource efficient and sustainable growth.

Discussions at ICEF2026 highlighted the growing importance of circularity, traceability, resource efficiency and responsible value chains as businesses respond to changing environmental and sustainability requirements. The forum also examined how circular economy practices could help companies strengthen competitiveness, improve ESG performance and identify new business opportunities.

A dedicated business to business session brought together Finnish and Indian companies to explore potential partnerships in technology, investment and circular solutions. Finnish companies including Peikko, Nokia, Normet, Mirasys and Lamor participated alongside Indian companies such as Orbigreen Techsource, LoopM Alternatives, Re:Gen Collective and Syaahi Uniforms.

Shalini Goyal Bhalla, Founder and Managing Director of the International Council for Circular Economy, said  that India's circular economy transition must extend beyond waste management and become part of product design, value chains, resource use, skills development and new business models.

She said that  stronger integration of resource efficiency, innovation and circular design would be important as India expands its manufacturing capabilities and global partnerships.

The forum also brought together industry, startups, academia, policymakers and international stakeholders to discuss practical approaches for embedding circularity across business operations and supply chains. ICEF2026 aimed to help businesses address environmental compliance, improve ESG and circularity performance, and identify opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 will be held for the first time in South Asia, with Gandhinagar hosting the global event in September.