Sustainability Limited (formerly known as Ramky Enviro Engineers), Asia's leading integrated waste management company, joined forces with PolyCycl Private Limited, a trailblazer in chemical recycling of post-consumer plastics. Together, they unveiled a strategic business collaboration aimed at establishing a network of feedstock facilities in India dedicated to the chemical recycling of plastics.
Hyderabad, Telangana: This partnership's main objective is to source low-grade plastics, such as single-use flexible films and packaging waste, from diverse origins. The aim is to process these plastics into feedstock specifically designed for chemical recycling initiatives led by PolyCycl and its collaborators. Typically, these plastics contain a blend of various resins and are frequently contaminated, rendering them unsuitable for transformation into pellets through traditional mechanical recycling techniques.
Through the utilization of chemical recycling methods, these plastics will undergo a transformation into a variety of hydrocarbon molecules. These molecules will play a crucial role as foundational components for the creation of sustainable circular polymers, environmentally friendly chemicals, and renewable fuels.
The first sorting and pre-processing facility is set to be launched in Delhi. As per information from India's Central Pollution Control Board, each day witnesses the disposal of more than 10,000 tonnes of plastic waste into landfills throughout the country. On a global scale, the production of plastic has exceeded 8.3 billion tonnes since the 1950s, and currently, over 5.0 billion tonnes are deposited in landfills worldwide.
According to the CEO of Polycycl, From a material perspective, waste plastics are a reserve of hydrocarbon that we have sitting above the ground. While they currently pose environmental and societal challenges, our collaboration with Re Sustainability aims to convert them into a valuable resource for a plastic-to-plastic circular economy, Through this collaboration, we are excited to demonstrate commercial scale extraction of low-grade waste plastics from landfills, using automated and high-throughput methods. A large part of such plastics cannot be recycled using conventional methods and the collaboration aims to expand the quantum of plastics being recycled in the country.
According to TechSci Research, The plastic recycling market in India is not just an environmental imperative but also a promising economic opportunity. The demand for recycled plastics is rising as industries recognize the value of sustainable sourcing and production. Entrepreneurs and businesses entering the plastic recycling space are not only contributing to environmental conservation but also tapping into a market with significant growth potential.
The Indian government has also recognized the importance of sustainable waste management. Various policies and initiatives have been introduced to incentivize and promote plastic recycling. These measures include financial support, tax incentives, and regulatory frameworks that encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Despite the positive strides, the plastic recycling market in India faces its fair share of challenges. One significant hurdle is the sheer diversity and contamination of plastic waste. Single-use flexible films and packaging, often comprising a mix of different resins, pose difficulties in conventional mechanical recycling methods. The need for specialized sorting and pre-processing facilities becomes apparent to tackle these challenges effectively.
While the plastic recycling market in India is on a positive trajectory, challenges persist. Infrastructure development, public awareness, and technological advancements are areas that require continuous attention. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and investment in sustainable solutions.
plastic recycling market in India is at a pivotal moment, with the convergence of environmental consciousness, technological innovation, and strategic collaborations. The efforts of key players, supported by government initiatives, are driving a shift towards sustainable practices in waste management. As India navigates the complexities of its plastic waste crisis, the plastic recycling market stands as a beacon of hope, offering not only a solution to environmental challenges but also a pathway to economic growth and innovation. As businesses increasingly integrate eco-friendly practices into their operations, opportunities for innovation and investment in advanced recycling technologies are likely to flourish. The collaboration between Sustainability Limited and PolyCycl sets a precedent for strategic partnerships that can drive positive change in the industry.