In a significant step toward tackling India’s escalating plastic waste crisis, a Rs 220 crore greenfield recycling plant is set to be established in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, the hometown of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This landmark project is the result of a collaboration between three key stakeholders: DPIPL, a leader in plastic recycling; SLMG Beverages, Coca-Cola India’s trusted bottling partner; and Coca-Cola India, which is driving its global sustainability agenda, “World Without Waste,” in the region.
The plant will be a game-changer in India’s plastic recycling ecosystem, with the capacity to process 36,000 metric tonnes (MT) of recycled PET flakes and 24,000 MT of PET granules annually. Once operational, the facility is expected to make a substantial contribution to reducing the country’s plastic waste and supporting sustainable practices in packaging and beyond.
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The facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology sourced from globally renowned companies such as Sorema, Tomra Sorting, and Erema. These industry leaders are known for their precision-engineered solutions, designed to maximize efficiency and sustainability. The integration of such cutting-edge machinery will enable the facility to operate with unparalleled accuracy, ensuring that the recycling process meets the highest international standards for quality and environmental compliance.
Adding to its technological prowess, the plant will house a sophisticated in-house laboratory, dedicated to maintaining stringent quality control. This laboratory will rigorously test both incoming raw materials and the final recycled products, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory frameworks. Key guidelines from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will govern the testing process, guaranteeing that the recycled PET products meet global benchmarks for safety and usability.
The facility’s advanced capabilities aim to produce high-quality recycled PET (rPET) products suitable for a variety of high-value applications. These include food-grade packaging and apparel manufacturing, industries that demand impeccable material integrity and safety. This focus on quality underscores the plant’s broader mission to elevate the value of recycled materials in India, transitioning from low-value applications like fiber production to high-end, sustainable solutions.
By leveraging globally recognized technology and robust quality control measures, the Gorakhpur recycling plant positions itself as a trailblazer in achieving sustainability goals while adhering to stringent international and national standards. This strategic approach will not only enhance the plant’s operational efficiency but also ensure that the recycled products meet the evolving demands of both domestic and global markets.
It is expected to generate direct employment opportunities for 150 individuals while indirectly benefiting over 20,000 informal workers, including waste pickers and aggregators. The initiative also aims to empower over 50 local micro-entrepreneurs, fostering grassroots-level economic development. This inclusive approach ensures that the project not only addresses environmental challenges but also contributes to community livelihoods.
India currently generates 1.4 million tonnes of PET waste annually, with an impressive recycling rate of 90%, which is significantly higher than many developed nations. However, most recycled PET is used for low-value applications like fibers. The Gorakhpur facility seeks to change this by producing high-value recycled products that can cater to industries with stringent quality requirements, thereby elevating the utility of recycled materials in India.
Set to commence operations in the financial year 2025-26, the facility will be located on a 15-acre site, with land finalization currently underway. Emphasizing energy efficiency and eco-friendly practices, the plant is designed to comply with the government’s Plastic Waste Management Rules, which mandate increased use of recycled materials in packaging. By FY 2026-27, these regulations will require up to 40% recycled content in certain categories, a target this facility is poised to help industries achieve.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in India’s sustainability journey. By reducing the reliance on virgin plastic and promoting a circular economy, the project will play a vital role in mitigating plastic pollution while supporting socio-economic development.
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