Global Recycling Day, which is the brainchild of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), unites people across the world, highlighting the need to conserve our six primary resources (water, air, coal, oil, natural gas and minerals) and celebrating the power the “Seventh Resource” – the goods we recycle every day. In the wake of climate change, the corporate world has made several commitments to recycling. Here are a few of them:
1. Bisleri
Bisleri has partnered with three NGOs in Mumbai – Parisar Bhagini Vikas Sangh, Sampurna Earth and Garbage Concern Welfare Society. The plastic collected is crushed, sold to recyclers and then converted into flakes. These flakes are then used to create non-edible products such as fabric for clothes, handbags, window blinds and other useful products.
‘Bottles for Change’ is a CSR initiative by Bisleri International that aims to create awareness amongst citizens about waste segregation, recycling of plastic bottles and best practices towards a cleaner environment. As a part of the programme, the company conducts plastic recycling awareness and collection drives in schools, colleges, corporate offices, malls. On Global Recycling Day, the company further reiterates its commitment.
2. Tetra Pak
Tetra Pak along with its partners has been strengthening the carton package recycling eco-system in the country for over 17 years. The used carton packages are collected and recycled into various materials like paper, waterproof poly-aluminium, or panel boards which are then turned into useful items like classroom furniture for disadvantaged schools, roofing sheets, notebooks, seats & backrests for commercial vehicles and more. Today, Tetra Pak’s collection network includes 31 cities and 14 Indian Army cantonments, covering 22 states and Union Territories. This network is supported by 30 collection partners and 4 recyclers across the country.
3. The Body Shop
In 2019, The Body Shop formed a global partnership with Plastics For Change, agreeing to purchase 250 metric tonnes of Fair Trade-certified recycled plastic gathered by waste pickers during the first year of the Community Trade Recycled Plastic programme. The global beauty brand has plans to purchase 600 metric tonnes more in 2021. In the future, the Body Shop’s website says that the company intends to buy more Community Trade recycled plastics from their partners so they can use it in additional product packaging.
In India and various parts of the world, The Body Shop has launched its in-store recycling programme – BBOB (Bring Back Our Bottles), encouraging customers to return empty plastic packaging in stores for recycling. It is a significant step for the brand towards valuing plastic and for protecting the environment.
4. adidas
In 2015, adidas announced a partnership with Parley for the Oceans, an organization that raises awareness about the beauty and fragility of the oceans. Partnering with Parley on a shared mission to use 100% recycled polyester in the products by 2024, the brand launched ULTRABOOST DNA PARLEY.
adidas running shoes made from recycled ocean waste
These running shoes have a seamless knit upper that’s made with yarn spun from plastic reclaimed from beaches and coastal communities. Responsive cushioning returns energy to your stride. This product features Parley Ocean Plastic – upcycled plastic waste intercepted on remote islands, beaches, coastal communities, and shorelines, preventing it from polluting our oceans.
