A college trek to the high climes of Himachal Pradesh inspired Sonal and Vaibhav to get into the plastic waste recycling business and establish their Delhi-based startup, ‘econscious®.’

They recycle plastic waste into durable, eco-friendly products. Their work helps reduce plastic waste in the environment while promoting sustainable consumption through high-quality products.

The Plastic Problem The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that more than 430 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, and a significant portion of it ends up in oceans and landfills.

India generates around 9.4 million metric tons of plastic waste each year, but only about half of this waste is collected and processed through recycling, according to the World Economic Forum.

Reusing Plastic for Good econscious focuses on turning this waste into valuable, long-lasting products.

They have established a business model that’s not only profitable but also reduces the environmental burden of plastic waste with ethical manufacturing, and community-driven progress.

Helping Local Communities econscious collects, recycles, and repurposes plastic waste into new products, completing a sustainable loop while also reducing dependency on virgin materials, and keeps plastic out of landfills.

They employ artisans from marginalised communities, providing stable income and skill development. Allowing artisans to earn a living while contributing to the environment ultimately helps uplift communities by creating meaningful job opportunities and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Their product range includes wall décor, planters, coasters, dustbins, trays, and organisers. Their products are built to withstand regular use, demonstrating that recycled materials can create lasting goods.

3.5 Lakh Kgs Recycled! Over 3,50,000 kg of plastic has been recycled by econscious to date. By diverting plastic from landfills, they help prevent pollution, reduce carbon emissions, and conserve resources. They have also generated over ₹1 crore in revenue, showing that sustainability and profitability can coexist.