Leading with Responsibility: Gharda Chemicals Awarded EcoVadis Gold

Gharda Chemicals Ltd is proud to be awarded the Gold Medal by EcoVadis.

This recognition places us in the 98th percentile globally, underscoring our consistent progress and strong commitment to sustainability excellence. The achievement reflects our focused efforts toward responsible business practices, transparency, and creating a meaningful, sustainable impact across our value chain. It also highlights our dedication across key areas—Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.

We thank our teams and partners for their continued support in making this possible. This milestone inspires us to keep pushing forward and raising the bar.

Gharda Chemicals honoured with the Best CSR Award in the Agriculture category

GCL has been honoured with the Best CSR Award in the Agriculture category, recognizing its impactful and sustainable interventions in the farming sector. This recognition reinforces GCL’s commitment to promoting climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening farmer livelihoods, and advancing holistic rural well-being. Through focused, scalable interventions, GCL continues to address key challenges such as climate variability, income stability, and access to critical support systems for farmers.

Gharda Chemicals, empowered education through digital classrooms

GCL has implemented a Digital Classroom initiative across multiple locations, including Lote (15 schools with 20 digital boards), and Panoli (6 schools with 10 digital boards), Dombivli (1 school with 1 digital board), collectively benefiting approximately 8,000 students from Standards 1 to 10. The project integrates smart classroom technology along with a communication skills program to enhance digital learning and improve overall classroom effectiveness. The initiative improved student engagement through audio-visual learning methods, better conceptual understanding using videos, animations, and digital content, increased classroom attendance and participation, enhanced digital literacy among both students and teachers, improved academic performance and learning outcomes, and development of critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students.

Bedside Patient Care Assistance Training

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Gharda Chemicals Ltd. (GCL), Dombivli, successfully conducted a Bedside Patient Care Assistance Training program to empower young women from marginalized communities with healthcare skills. The three-month program combined classroom learning, practical hospital exposure, elderly care training, and holistic development sessions, including yoga, meditation, Zumba, and soft skills. A total of 25 girls successfully completed the training, gaining practical caregiving knowledge, improved communication skills, and greater confidence, enhancing their employability and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Gharda Foundation Skill Development Centre – Empowering Youth, Building Futures

As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment, we inaugurated the Gharda Foundation Skill Development Centre in Ankleshwar to strengthen employability and empower local youth with industry-relevant skills. Established in collaboration with Elios Management Consulting, the centre offers Life Skills Training with Placement Support and a Data Analytics Programme, equipping participants with practical, job-ready capabilities. By bridging the gap between education and employment, we aim to create sustainable livelihood opportunities, enhance career readiness, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the communities we serve.

School Upgradation Project – Strengthening Learning Environments

As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility commitment, we are implementing the School Upgradation Project across seven schools in Maharashtra in partnership with MASHAL. The initiative is benefiting 1,588 students by addressing critical gaps in school infrastructure, sanitation, and the overall learning environment. Through the creation of safe, inclusive, and child-friendly educational spaces, we aim to improve access to quality education and support the holistic development of children from marginalized and low-income communities.

Skill Development Centre for the Transgender Community

In collaboration with Lalitha Bhavan, India’s first transgender mobile shelter home, we established a dedicated Skill Development Centre to promote inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for the transgender community. Designed as an activity area, library, and drop-in centre, the facility provides a safe and supportive space for skill development, counselling, self-learning, and community engagement. Benefiting 35 transgender individuals, the initiative has improved access to educational and counselling resources, enhanced employability through structured training, encouraged greater participation in community programmes, and fostered an inclusive environment that supports holistic growth and reduces social vulnerability.

Strengthening Sustainable Development through Green Chemistry Education

To foster sustainable scientific practices and strengthen industry–academia collaboration, we organized the Green Chemistry Lecture Series at DSPM K. V. Pendharkar College, Dombivli, in collaboration with the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai. The programme was designed to bridge academic learning with industrial sustainability by equipping students with the knowledge and practical application of green chemistry principles. Through eight structured sessions, interactive discussions, pre- and post-assessments, and laboratory exposure visits to ICT, participants gained valuable insights into environmentally responsible chemical practices. The initiative benefited 42 T.Y.B.Sc. and M.Sc. students, enhancing their understanding of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, strengthening their applied learning, and inspiring greater interest in research and sustainability-focused careers.

Raincoat Distribution Drive and Road Safety Awareness Session

As part of our ongoing CSR efforts, we conducted a Raincoat Distribution Drive and Road Safety Awareness Session in Dombivli, Maharashtra to support the often-overlooked yet vital contribution of private traffic wardens.
30 raincoats were distributed to traffic wardens who work on the ground rain or shine. These individuals are a key part of maintaining order and safety on our roads, often without formal recognition. By providing monsoon gear, we aim to enhance their comfort and safety during challenging weather, ensuring they can continue performing their duties with dignity and protection.

The initiative also included a Road Safety Awareness Training. The session emphasized the importance of safe driving practices, situational awareness, and mutual respect on the road.

Why this initiative matters:

• Recognizes and supports the silent workforce that keeps our roads functional and safe.
• Promotes a culture of road safety by empowering not just traffic managers, but also our own employees to be responsible road users.
• Strengthens community relations by engaging directly with local stakeholders in meaningful ways.
• Highlights GCL’s commitment to inclusive and actionable social responsibility.

This initiative is a step toward fostering a safer, more respectful environment on our roads—and honouring those who make it possible.

Promote reforestation and ecological restoration

Under our CSR program, GCL partnered with the Rotary Club of Dombivli to launch the Seed Balls Project—a mission to promote reforestation and ecological restoration in the Kalyan-Dombivli region of Maharashtra. A dedicated GCL team of five handcrafted 500 seed balls, joining forces with more than 2,300 students from seven schools, NSS volunteers, environment-focused NGOs, and local citizens to create an incredible 200,000 seed balls. These will be sown across forest areas and distributed to school children, environmental NGOs, and officers from the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation, inspiring widespread participation in protecting and nurturing the environment. Through this initiative, GCL aims to empower youth, foster ecological responsibility, and strengthen collective action for a greener, more sustainable future in Maharashtra.

Building Future. Installation of a roof shed in a public school

The installation of a roof shed at Ankleshwar Public School, an initiative by Gharda Foundation’s CSR team, aims to provide a safe and shaded space where students can gather for cultural activities, prayers, learning, and school programs without being affected by weather conditions. This improvement will significantly strengthen the school’s infrastructure by offering a protected area that ensures uninterrupted participation in activities, enhances student comfort, and nurtures an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Directly benefiting over 800 students, the project reflects Gharda Foundation’s commitment to building not just structures, but stronger futures.

Reconnecting with our roots

At Gharda Chemicals Limited (GCL), we believe it’s time to reconnect with our roots. Through our CSR initiative, we organized a Wild Vegetable Exhibition at the Gharda Foundation’s Agricultural Resource Centre, Lavel, in collaboration with Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, and the College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Maharashtra, India.
The exhibition showcased the diversity, nutritional value, and sustainable potential of wild vegetables. More than 100 farmers participated, exploring how modern horticultural techniques and conservation can revive these forgotten plants. The event bridged traditional wisdom with scientific innovation, inspiring healthier farming practices and better livelihoods.
This initiative is a step toward preserving our natural heritage and reminding ourselves that sometimes, the future lies in getting back to our basics.

Post-Retirement Planning Session for employees

Retirement is not the end – it’s a new chapter. Gharda, in collaboration with its CSR implementing partner International Longevity Centre India, recently organized a Post-Retirement Planning Session for employees. The session witnessed active participation from the employees and focused on essential aspects of retirement planning, including financial security, health and wellness, social engagement, and legal preparedness. With enthusiastic involvement and positive feedback from participants, the program proved to be highly relevant and impactful in guiding employees towards a fulfilling and meaningful post-retirement life.

GCL Lote, awarded the prestigious BBS award for its consistent and effective implementation of Behaviour Based Safety

We are proud to announce that the GCL Lote, Khed, Maharashtra unit has been awarded the prestigious BBS award for its consistent and effective implementation of Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) throughout the April 2023 – March 2024 contesting year. This recognition highlights the dedication and commitment of our team to maintaining a safe and proactive work environment. Congratulations to everyone involved in this achievement!

Padma Shri (Late) Dr. Keki H. Gharda, honored with the esteemed Rasayan Udyog Maha Maharshi Award

A moment of great pride for Gharda Chemicals. Our Chairman and Managing Director (Emeritus), Padma Shri (Late) Dr. Keki H. Gharda, a renowned scientist, entrepreneur, innovator, and philanthropist, widely regarded as the father of the Indian agrochemical industry, has been honored with the esteemed Rasayan Udyog Maha Maharshi Award by the Indian Chemical Society, in celebration of the Century of Chemistry in India. Dr. Gharda’s remarkable contributions are truly celebrated.

Gujarat Insecticides Limited (GIL), honored with the FAME Excellence Award in the Platinum Category for Environment Excellence

Another proud moment for Gharda!
Gujarat Insecticides Limited (GIL), Gharda’s fully owned subsidiary, was honored with the prestigious FAME Excellence Award in the Platinum Category for Environment Excellence. A big thank you to Dr. Laxmikant Bajpai, MP Rajyasabha, for presenting this recognition at the ceremony in New Delhi on January 22, 2025. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability and a greener future.

Gharda Dombivli Unit, honored, with the Prashansa Patra (Certificate) in Group B

Proud to announce that Gharda Chemicals Ltd, Dombivli Unit, has been honored, on January 17th, 2025, with the Prashansa Patra (Certificate) in Group B under the Manufacturing Sector at the “NSCI Safety Award Competition – 2024” by the National Safety Council of India!

From Bronze to Gold: A Journey of Commitment and Progress

We are proud to share that our EcoVadis score is upgraded, and Gharda Chemicals Limited has been awarded the Gold Medal by EcoVadis, placing us in the top 5% of companies globally assessed for sustainability performance.

This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible practices across Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.

From our initial Bronze rating to now achieving Gold, this journey demonstrates our drive to continuously raise the bar on sustainability excellence.

We thank our dedicated teams and partners who made this possible — this is your win too!

Gharda Chemicals Limited: Towards Environmental Excellence 🌿

We are thrilled to share that we are making significant strides on the path of Environmental Excellence. Our unwavering commitment to prioritizing environmental protection and preventing degradation through sustainable development activities is at the core of our mission.

At GCL, we have institutionalized resources and energy conservation measures to reduce our carbon footprint and ensure a safe workplace with our Zero Harm policy. 🌍

As a testament to our continuous efforts and initiatives, GCL units were honored with various awards at the 16th EXCEED Green Future Award 2024

– “Platinum Award” in “Energy Efficiency / Conservation” category to GCL Lote unit under Agrochemicals sector

– “Platinum Award” in “Environment Preservation” category to GCL’s Pigment and Polymer Unit at Panoli

– “Gold Award” in “Water Management” category to GCL Lote unit under Agrochemicals sector

This prestigious event was organized by the Sustainable Development Foundation (a unit of Ek Kaam Desh Ke Naam), a Non-Government Organization dedicated to promoting sustainable practices.

We are proud of our team’s dedication and hard work in achieving these milestones and remain committed to driving further progress in environmental sustainability.

At  GCL we believe that the habit of reading is the ultimate “Password” to a successful future. As part of our commitment to Quality Education, here we share the social impact of our latest initiative in Dombivli:

• 4 Schools covered in Dombivli
• 1000 students engaged from Grades 6th to 10th.
• Prize Distribution ceremony to honor the winners of our Essay and Drawing competitions.
• GCL team members volunteer for these bright young students.

Through this initiative, we aim to bridge the literacy gap and foster a culture of lifelong learning within our local communities.

We are excited to announce that Gujarat Insecticides Limited (a Gharda Chemicals Limited subsidiary) has been honored with the Fame National Award 2024 in platinum category for Outstanding Environmental Excellence in the Chemical Industry.

This prestigious award recommended by a distinguished jury, is a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

At Gujarat Insecticides Limited, we believe that industrial growth and environmental duties go hand in hand and this recognition encourages us to continue innovating and pushing boundaries.

Gharda Lote honored with the “Outstanding Contribution to Society Award 2024,” presented by FICCI

We are thrilled to announce that Gharda Chemical Limited’s Lote Plant (Maharashtra) has been honored with the “Outstanding Contribution to Society Award 2024,” presented by FICCI. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Honorable Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Government of India), Mrs. Anupriya Singh Patel, during a grand ceremony held at Hotel Leela Palace, Mumbai, on the 17th of October.

This award underscores our continued commitment to making a positive impact on society through our efforts in sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. We are immensely proud of this achievement and grateful to our entire team for their dedication and hard work.

Gharda Chemicals Limited (GCL) Achieves B Rating on Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), Strengthening Commitment to Sustainability

Gharda Chemicals Limited (GCL), a leader in innovative, science-based solutions, continues to prioritize sustainability as a core value. The company is proud to announce that it has achieved a B rating on the prestigious Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a testament to its dedication to environmental transparency and sustainability.

This significant achievement highlights GCL’s ongoing efforts in addressing climate change, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and advancing water security initiatives. With a score “B” at the Management level, GCL has demonstrated its commitment to managing the environmental impacts of its operations while ensuring effective environmental management practices.

Guided by the principles of ‘Knowledge converted through products to wealth for the good of society’ and ‘Sustainable Business Practices,’ GCL remains focused on contributing to the nation’s growth and the well-being of its people, planet, and prosperity. The company remains resolute in its mission to lead with innovation and sustainability at the forefront of its operations.