RecoSolution - A story of inspiring young Ecopreneurs from India
- Achint
- July 10, 2022
Recycling non-degradable products like plastic always seems like a sustainable and ecologically driven idea. But is recycling as good as it sounds? Let’s see how this startup made sure to get the best out of recycling.
By definition Recycling is the process of taking wasted materials and transforming them into something useful. It is also one of the 5R’s proposed by the government. These 5R’s include refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle. Our previous article on recycling discussed how recycling is the last option and when recycling fails.
Recycling is seen as a last resort because it entails a complete transformation of the commodity. Reduce, reuse, and repurpose should all be done before recycling.
When it comes to recycling, the fundamental issue is that it stimulates transformation, but it only works if the changed products are put to use. To put it differently, let me say it this way. Every time you buy a plastic bottle, collect it and give it to a recycler, what happens next? Where does that plastic go? Does the recycler give you a new product in hand? Did you ever consciously read the labels of your plastics and see if it’s made of recyclable material?
This gap is bridged by RecoSolution.
What is RecoSolution?
RecoSolution is a start-up in sustainability, waste management and climate education. This startup is dealing with plastic waste management and provides recycling services with compact machinery to recycle wastes in remote places. They aim to become a one-stop solution to manage waste in remote places. The organization is led by two young Engineering graduates Pranav Desai and Deep Bhuva.
RecoSolution is a purpose driven organization which transforms sustainable thinking into actions. Recently we got to interview the co-founder of Recosolution, Mr. Pranav Desai who is a mechanical engineer. He is a firm believer in cultural transformation and makes deliberate efforts to create change in society.
After talking to him and knowing more about RecoSolution, we realized how proper management of waste is difficult and needs technological support. He explained that the recycling services are scarce, and waste traveling long distances leads to loss of value of waste and in return makes the recycling value higher. The solution of recycling waste at source is what Recosolution is built upon.
RecoSolution's journey from Gujarat to Mt. Everest
He explained how private agencies which deal with sustainable solutions complete the cycle by making products out of recycled plastics like jewelry, tables, chairs etc. Recosolution does the same by deriving its end products from recycled plastic which is then sold via B2B or B2C.
RecoSolution applies this model by manufacturing customizable recycling machines (ranging from 1-4 lacs INR) which are easily available and transportable to all remote places.
Pranav talked about how they teamed with an NGO in Nepal to come forward with an insightful recycling process. This collaboration led to setting up a recycling unit at the Mt. Everest base camp.
He clarified that the machines were capable of recycling any kind of plastic which is cleaned properly. He also emphasized upon how the machines were able to recycle multi-layered plastic or MLP which other machines in the market failed to do.
Multi-layer plastic consists of plastic which is mixed with other components be it aluminum, tin or any other element. Although there are other recycling machines in the market, this feature of recycling MLP is what gives RecoSolution an edge over the others.
Founder of RecoSolution: Pranav Desai
RecoSolution helps to close the circular chain of recycling by encouraging users to buy recycled products. Another initiative by RecoSolution is involved dealing with plastic waste in a segregated manner from households and brands like decathlon, adidas etc and providing the same to the recyclers. Their target is to make products, return it to their stores and provide value. Thereby spreading awareness about the same to the brand’s customers.
He also talked about starting a climate lab which will allow anyone to come to the lab and experiment with waste. The idea is to bring together the public and the process. This is a crucial step in overcoming the hostile behavior towards recycled products by involving the public in the process. Such level of interaction is bound to make awareness to create the change that Pranav wants to see.
Apart from recycling, RecoSolution also provides education to primary and secondary schools, provides training sessions to teachers and provides a clear picture of the unauthorized sector of waste management. Such excellent solutions and visions are what completes the cycle of recycling and ensures proactive response.
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“ We don’t need another RecoSolution. That is our vision. If people work climate consciously in their daily lives, then it will be helpful to both us, the country and the government. Our main idea is to develop a system which is transparent, where people see what they are doing, and how their actions can contribute. We don’t want to start a re-recosolution later.”
How can we join RecoSolution's fight?
When asked about how one can contribute at an individual level, Mr. Desai pointed out on following the 5R’s given by the government. Segregating waste is the minimum we can do to walk this path. He also emphasized on buying only what is required, highlighting the concept of minimalism vs materialism which was discussed in our previous blog.
Every now and again, one should be aware of their recyclables, locate a local recycler, and dispose of their waste in an environmentally acceptable manner. These small changes, such as using a recyclable cup instead of a single-use cup or composting kitchen waste, have a big influence on the environment.
‘Thrifting’ is a new trend that allows people to sell previously owned items, primarily clothing, for a lower price, allowing items to be reused. With the rise in electric vehicle use, one should be aware of the energy crisis that their state or country is experiencing.
Our biological cycle would suffer if our wastes were stacked up day after day. To limit the quantity of garbage that ends up in landfills, homes and companies should practice waste reduction or waste avoidance, that also includes recycling old products, fixing damaged items, donating items that are not actively in use, limiting the usage of disposable items, and be aware of every action they take.
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