Frontier Technologies for Inclusive Circularity of Low Value Plastic (LVP)
The project focuses on establishing public-private partnerships (PPP) and promoting social entrepreneurship while expanding market accessibility for upcycled products made from plastic waste in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The project is funded by Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund (NREF). The 3-year project aims to prevent 20 tonnes per day (TPD) of plastic waste from reaching landfills or dumpsites, furthermore, the daily plastic waste recovery will increase to 50 TPD by the project's third year.
The challenges
Eastern India region generates 17% of the country's MSW; approx 23,500 TPD or 8.6 million TPA.
The management of plastic waste in the eastern region continues to be a severe problem that is exacerbating with time, because of several factors such as lack of formal channels, access to robust technology, economic incentives, sound business models, and involvement of urban local bodies (ULBs) leading to leakages in segregated collection, transport and safe treatment / recycling and disposal of plastic waste.
Plastic waste contributes to about 18-20 % of the MSW generated in the eastern region cities
As per recent CPCB studies and its 2021-22 annual report about 18-20% of the MSW generated in the eastern region cities is plastic waste. CPCB estimates suggest that India has a high recycling rate of about 60% for the post-consumer plastic waste; however, this is achieved mostly by the informal sector (which includes waste pickers, aggregators, informal recycling units), with some help from ULBs. There is a strong need for technological innovation, and more robust circular business models that create a win-win for all stakeholders involved in the plastic value chain and focus on structured integration of the informal sector into formal waste management systems.
Leakages in segregated collection, transport and safe treatment / recycling and disposal of plastic waste
Odisha's decentralised waste management model incorporates key highlights of household-level segregation, setting up decentralised recovery centres for all waste types, and including Swachh Sathis and sanitation workers that contribute to effective waste management practices.
Need for technological innovation, and robust circular business models
To demonstrate sustainable circularity of low value waste plastics through the application of frontier and emerging technologies in an inclusive manner in Eastern India region.
How to respond to them?
Increased upcycling of low value plastics through circular waste management
To demonstrate sustainable circularity of low value waste plastics (LVPs) through the application of frontier and emerging technologies in an inclusive manner in the Eastern India region.
- Silica Plastic Waste Blocks (SPWB)
- Resin-Free Plastics Panel Boards
Inclusive “green business environment” catalyzed for LVP upcycling through pilots of frontier technologies
The Sustainable Plastic-Waste Composite Blocks (SPWB). These composite blocks utilise a combination of dust/sand from construction and demolition waste and waste plastics, resulting in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly building material. The SPWB consists of approximately 75% dust/sand, derived from construction and demolition waste, and 25% waste plastics, including low-value plastics (LVPs). Additionally, eliminating water and cement requirements during production minimises resource consumption and lowers carbon emissions. It has comparable material properties and competitive production costs, positioning it as an attractive and economically viable alternative to traditional bricks. As a green building material, SPWB aligns with the growing demand for sustainable construction practices. Its unique strength, weight, and environmental advantages make it an appealing choice for various construction projects. This innovative technology effectively addresses waste management challenges while offering a high-performance, eco-friendly building material. With its commendable strength, reduced weight, and cost-effectiveness, SPWB has the potential to revolutionize the construction sector, promoting sustainability and driving the adoption of green building practices.
Enhanced well-being and livelihoods of marginalized communities
Formal partnerships will be forged between the Municipal Corporation, technology provider and UN-Habitat to create proof-of-concept with clear roles and responsibilities, including agreements in areas of supply of segregated raw material to upcycling centre, market access to finished products, integrated approaches to waste collection, segregation infrastructure and supply chain, and livelihoods for informal sector.
What have we achieved so far?
Establishing PPP
Formal partnerships will be forged between the Municipal Corporation, technology provider and UN-Habitat to create proof-of-concept with clear roles and responsibilities, including agreements in areas of supply of segregated raw material to upcycling centre, market access to finished products, integrated approaches to waste collection, segregation infrastructure and supply chain, and livelihoods for informal sector.
Expanding Market Accessibility
The current market for recycled products made from PET and other high value plastics is limited to the Business to Business (B2B) market segment, which may not easily accept low value plastic material due to multiple market dynamics and barriers. The project will seek to expand market access to Business to Consumer (B2C) segment by introducing incentives such as guaranteed purchasing of some percentage of outputs, promotions through commerce federations, among others.
Replication and Scale-up
Successful demonstration of the two technologies in city of Bhubaneshwar will be instrumental in leveraging partnerships built for scaling up at the regional and national level with Bhubaneshwar as case study. The policy and regulatory amendments needed to simplify the process for replication will also be undertaken as part of the project learning. Engagement mechanisms with relevant national and state government agencies will be put in place to ensure that the learnings from the pilot are regularly disseminated to get buy-in for technical and financial scaling-up.
Donors and Partners
The project is funded by Norwegian Retailer’s Environment Fund (NREF), it is Norway’s largest private environmental fund, which supports national and international projects that reduce plastic pollution, increase plastic recycling and reduce the consumption of plastic bags. The project is led by UN-Habitat in collaboration with Government of Odis ha and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation. Rhino Machines Pvt. Ltd. (Banana Green) and Bamboo House India will support the project as technology partners.
