India consumes a significant amount of plastic every year, with approximately 13 million tonnes being used annually. Unfortunately, only 60% of this plastic is recycled, leaving 40% to end up in landfills and water bodies. To address this issue, Bisleri International has launched the “Bottles for Change” initiative, a program aimed at promoting plastic recycling in India. The initiative includes a mobile app that connects citizens, plastic collection agents, and recyclers to facilitate the recycling process.
Under this program, Bisleri has collected and recycled over 19,300 tonnes of plastic, making a significant contribution to reducing plastic waste in the country. The company’s director of sustainability and corporate affairs, K. Ganesh, emphasized the importance of proper disposal and recycling of plastic waste. He noted that people often litter plastic after consumption, which ends up in landfills or oceans, and that it is essential to promote a circular economy where plastic waste is recycled and reused.
The “Bottles for Change” initiative educates and empowers citizens to practice source segregation, responsible disposal of post-consumer plastic, and ensures that all used plastic is sent for recycling. The program also involves the collection of used plastics from registered stakeholders and channeling them to recycling facilities, where they are transformed into new products. For example, PET bottles can be recycled and converted into fibre yarn, which can be used to make fabric and dress materials.
Bisleri’s efforts are in line with government regulations for extended producer responsibility (EPR), which require producers, importers, and brand owners to manage the post-consumer waste of their products. The company’s initiatives, such as collecting bottle caps and making benches out of them, demonstrate its commitment to reducing waste and promoting environmentally responsible disposal of products. By promoting a circular economy and reducing plastic waste, Bisleri aims to make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.