Over 40 percent of the total plastic waste generated comes from packaging materials, made from multi-layered plastic (MLP).
This includes biscuit and chocolate wrappers, tetra packs and other packaging. In 2014, Rahul and Radhika Chaudhary decided to solve this problem.
Their startup, Ricron Panels, recycles MLP waste into construction boards used in building materials.
The Gujarat-based company does this through its patented technology. The final products include furniture, housing, roofing, and construction materials.
These green building materials are a cost-effective substitute for plywood, metal and cement roofing, explains Rahul.
The challenge was that MLP products receive just Rs 1.5-2 per kg, often ending up in landfills or being incinerated due to their complex treatment process.
“We decided to address the issue by converting them into recycled boards. It also helps reduce the burden on the forests as it serves as a viable alternative for plywood,” Rahul says.
He further adds that the technology has been built to retain the physical properties of plastic material without affecting the quality.
First, the plastic packaging is collected from various sources, segregated, cleaned and processed.
“What results is a sheet similar to plywood, made from 100 per cent plastic without any materials added to them,” says Rahul.
The material is fire retardant, water-proof, rust-proof, termite-proof and heat-resistant.
Ricron Panels received a Green Pro Certification Award from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Climate Solver Award by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India.
Rahul says that the company recycles 5,000 tons of MLP per month.
Rahul says that the company also offers a buy-back policy to customers. “Instead of discarding the sheets, the customers can sell it back to the company at 30 per cent the invoice value. The boards can be recycled once again,” he says.
The company recently raised a Series A round led by Boon Sustainable Technologies. The funds will be used for expanding their presence in India, marketing, capital expenditure and growth capital.