Building a self-sustaining, at-scale, zero waste to landfill, circular economy model in plastics waste management with active community participation in ensuring effective waste segregation
Hyderabad 10 September 2024 – In a historic move towards sustainable waste management in India, Re Sustainability, Asia’s leading integrated sustainability solutions provider and Sharrp Ventures, the investment office of the Harsh Mariwala family, proudly announce their collaboration to launch a pioneering Plastics Circularity Initiative in Hyderabad, Telangana, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
The goals of this initiative are twofold: to increase the supply of very high-quality recycled polyolefins for the FMCG industry and to create sustained environmental and social impact. Currently, the FMCG sector in India faces a critical challenge in sourcing high-quality recycled materials, which limits their ability to meet sustainability targets and reduce reliance on virgin plastics. By capturing and processing 32,000 tonnes of waste and reducing 15,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, this project aims to produce over 9,000 tonnes of superior recycled polymers each year, providing a reliable supply of these materials for various FMCG and other applications. Over the next five years, this initiative intends to evolve into a nationwide, large-scale recycled polymers enterprise, reducing environmental impact and setting a new standard for responsible waste management practices.
Hyderabad and Raipur have been strategically chosen for this initiative due to their unique demographics and waste management challenges. Hyderabad, as a major metropolitan city, generates a significant amount of plastic waste, making it an ideal location to implement large-scale recycling processes and demonstrate the impact of advanced waste management technologies. Raipur, representing smaller urban centers, faces different but equally critical waste management issues. By implementing the project in both cities, the initiative can address diverse challenges, create scalable solutions, and set a replicable model for other cities across India.
This landmark circularity project will commence with the setup of infrastructure now in both cities, with facilities expected to be operational by early FY26. Setting up this infrastructure involves building advanced recycling facilities equipped to handle large volumes of waste efficiently. From 2026 onwards, high-quality recycled polymer is likely to be available for purchase by the FMCG and other industries, providing a new revenue stream for the project. This infrastructure setup aims to achieve nearly 100% diversion of dry waste from landfills through comprehensive recycling processes.
Collaborative Effort: Sharrp Ventures, Re Sustainability, and Marico Innovation Foundation Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), subsidiary of Marico Limited, identifies and supports the scale up of disruptive Indian innovations with the potential to create long-lasting socio- economic and environmental impact in India. In 2022, MIF embarked on a mission to address plastic waste through its playbook “Innovation in Plastics: The Potential and Possibilities,” which highlighted the urgent need for a resilient circular economy in India. Further to the same, Re Sustainability and Sharrp Ventures have come together to launch Plastics Circularity Initiative, with MIF being the knowledge partner.
Re Sustainability, with over 30 years of experience in waste management across 11 countries, brings its extensive expertise and innovative approaches to this initiative. Their commitment to sustainable practices has positioned them as a global leader in the field, managing over 8 million tonnes of waste annually. Sharrp Ventures, the investment office of the Harsh Mariwala family, is involved by providing the necessary risk capital and strategic support, ensuring the initiative’s scalability and success. Together, these entities are leveraging their collective expertise, resources, and innovative approaches to set new standards in sustainability through this project.
Social Impact
Beyond waste management, the initiative also aims to drive social inclusion by providing direct jobs for over 370 people in the first phase of this initiative, with a projected 75% target of women in the workforce, and indirect livelihoods for 2,000 people. By involving local communities in effective waste segregation and recycling through various engagement programs, the initiative promotes active participation and responsibility at the grassroots level.
