At the same time, the competition between the waste disposal companies is due to the waste hierarchy which was established many years ago and is now being rigorously put into practice. A circular economy has already become a reality in many areas. In an increasingly networked industry, this means that any disposal which may be necessary at a later date needs to be taken into account in the initial design and then carried out accordingly.

Producers of plastic packaging are also involved with their commitment to preventing the disposal of plastic waste in the sea. Industries such as metal, glass or paper production which already collect and recycle valuable materials to control and ensure their own supply of raw materials are also affected.

The digitized world of work enables companies and public authorities within this environment to provide increasingly better services for their customers and society. India has seen many startups in the waste management system. There are young entrepreneurs who take the help of technology to manage the waste and systems. Better logistics of the vehicles for picking up the waste and task back programs are in place now.

One such example is that of a company called Recykal.com that is bringing the digital revolution to waste management and recycling while creating transparent and traceable loops for materials. Young entrepreneurs are upscaling the end of life products and making bricks from multilayer film packets.

Some of the global companies like Gemini Incorporated are creating micro-entrepreneurs by formalizing the small ‘kabadiwalas’ by giving them baling machines, finance and buying the sorted and baled materials. GDB International from the USA that is working with USA Plastic Associations and the government there to increase recycled content in certain products so as to encourage the recycling industry is another such example.

Shakti Plastic Industries, a well-known name in Indian plastic recycling, is encouraging and supporting young entrepreneurs to come up with upscale products while mentoring them. The company Lucro.in has an aim to popularize the recycling culture. Its Plast-e-Cycle addresses three core areas – protecting the environment by reducing plastic waste reaching landfills and oceans, developing the community by creating opportunities for rag pickers and dormant factories and progressing businesses by manufacturing innovative and environmentally friendly products.

It is time for collaboration and work for the circular economy and not a competition as the issues of environment and climate change have become far more serious as we move ahead. Though there are many hurdles, the plastic waste management industry is maturing. The efforts of the government in creating favorable policies and guidelines, initiatives by Niti Aayog, MSME interventions, initiatives by the people, designers, big brand owners, NGOs, technology experts are laudable. With such collaborations, India can surely Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) in plastic waste management. Resources are limited, but the efforts needed are unlimited

Climate change is getting attention as never before and the efforts in dealing with the same also have increased and the commitment for a better future depends on our actions today so that our future generations can lay claim to a better tomorrow more exciting and brilliant than our past……