green plastic factory india
from plastic waste to local solutions
What if you could solve two major problems at once? In India, plastic waste is a huge issue, especially in densely populated coastal regions. At the same time, many people – particularly young individuals with physical or mental disabilities – have limited access to education or employment. With our experience in circular plastic production in Europe, we asked ourselves: What can plastic recycling mean in India? The answer: a lot.
launch of the project
In 2023, save plastics launched the green plastic factory india on the Campus Challenge site in East India. The goal: to build a local facility where plastic waste from nine fishing villages is collected, sorted, and transformed into useful, sustainable products. The necessary machines were transported from the Netherlands using sustainable methods.
education and empowerment
This is more than just a production facility. It’s a training center where young people with disabilities are educated to become plastic operators. They learn every step of the process – from collection and sorting to processing and production. In doing so, they gain a meaningful place in society and directly contribute to a cleaner environment and stronger local economy.
local products for local needs
The products made in the factory serve the needs of the fishing villages where the plastic is collected. From fishing tools and housing materials to outdoor infrastructure, everything is designed for local use. This is not a low-cost production hub for export – it is a fully circular and local system.
training in the netherlands
In preparation for the factory’s launch, two operators from India were trained in 2024 by the save plastics team in Arnhem, the Netherlands. Besides sharing technical knowledge, the week was filled with laughter, cups of tea, and shared lunches – because collaboration goes beyond technology alone.
Implementation
In November 2024 we went to India with the team of 5 people from save plastics and installed the machines and moulds of the Green Plastic Factory and started the train the trainer program with the disabled youngsters. We also educated already 1500 children on 8 regular elementary schools and set up the awareness program with the school directors and social workers. This year November we go back to make sure there is a solid implementation.
impact and future
The green plastic factory india is a project we are deeply proud of – not just for its sustainable and social impact, but because it shows what is possible when you believe in your mission and connect people around a shared purpose. This is a factory with heart, where waste becomes the foundation for change.