Community Collection and Co-processing of Mixed Plastics in Calicut, India (PPRS)

This social-impact recycling project aims to create a circular economy, eliminate poverty and empower women by providing dignified jobs in rural and coastal areas in Kerala, India, where waste management infrastructure is limited. 

The majority of the population in this region is made up of low-income communities. Single use sachets, which serve small, affordable quantities of day to day products, play an important role in the local economy. But after usage these sachets typically end up in water bodies or elsewhere in the environment. 

This project provides a platform to deliver women in low-income communities from poverty through fair wages, dignity and safe working conditions. They set up women-run collectives and provide training and support to help members collect and sort plastic waste.  Over 80% of the plastic collected is multi-layer single use sachets that can’t be recycled. 

The plastic waste is transported to the Material Recovery Facilities run by the project, where it’s further segregated, shredded and baled. Material that can’t be recycled is sent to a licensed co processing facility. 

The entire process ensures traceability, compliance and measurable impact. Additional funding from credits will help this project scale operations and build infrastructure.