Mahmoud Najafi Arab told local media that advanced technologies,
circular economy models and higher energy efficiency were key to achieving a
sustainable balance between production and environmental protection.
“Industrial development and environmental protection are inseparable
pillars of national progress,” Najafi Arab said. “The first step is to raise
energy efficiency and shift gradually to renewable energy sources such as solar
and wind. This reduces both costs and emissions per unit of output.”
He called for tax breaks and low-interest loans for “green” factories,
alongside carbon taxes or pollution penalties to push companies toward cleaner
technologies. Developing circular economy practices – such as reusing polymer
waste in downstream industries – could create jobs and cut raw material losses,
he added.
The chamber has set up an energy and environment commission to draw up
practical models for members. Najafi Arab also urged roundtable talks bringing
together policymakers, environmental experts and business leaders to define new
standards and monitor compliance.
According to him, environmental awareness among Iranian entrepreneurs
has grown in recent years, partly driven by consumer demand for eco-friendly
products and media scrutiny of polluting industries. “Today, environmental
responsibility has become part of companies’ competitive strategy,” he said.
Najafi Arab rejected calls to shut down the polymer industry over
pollution concerns, saying the real problem was poor waste management. He
backed stronger recycling systems, biodegradable polymers, and “zero-waste”
production models, supported by government incentives.
He warned that policy gaps – including low environmental budgets, weak
law enforcement and a lack of nationwide recycling infrastructure – hinder
progress, but said the private sector could help fill them through investment,
self-regulation and coordinated advocacy.
Climate change, he noted, required Iran to move towards a low-carbon
economy, diversify away from crude oil exports, and invest in renewable energy,
electric transport and green technologies. “The market of the future belongs to
products that embrace environmental responsibility as a business principle,” he
said, urging young industrialists to treat clean production as a strategic
investment, not an extra cost.