Recycling The Impossible

We at Without by Ashaya are tackling the severe issue of non-recyclable waste, specifically metalized multi-layered plastic packaging (MLP). MLP's complexity and material composition make it nearly impossible to recycle with conventional methods, leading to significant environmental degradation. Globally, less than 1% of B2C plastic packaging is recycled, and MLP contributes substantially to the 80% of ocean leakage from flexible packaging.

In India alone, where our efforts are initially focused, 50%-80% of waste is untreated and ends up in landfills, amounting to approximately 30-50 million tons annually. This situation is exacerbated by the socio-economic plight of 1.5 - 4 million waste-pickers who are marginalized and work under poor conditions without formal employment benefits.

Our solution directly addresses these intertwined issues of environmental and social injustice by not only enhancing the recyclability of MLP but also integrating waste-pickers into a formal economy, thus improving their livelihoods and dignity.

At Without by Ashaya, we've developed a pioneering solution to upcycle metalized multi-layered plastic packaging (MLP), typically considered non-recyclable, into high-quality, reusable materials. Our proprietary technology involves a chemo-mechanical process that separates and purifies the various components of MLP waste, such as plastics and metals, transforming them into premium, virgin-like materials.

These materials are then used to manufacture sustainable products, starting with our flagship product—recycled sunglasses made from chip packets. The process not only diverts waste from landfills but also reduces the need for virgin materials, lowering environmental impact significantly.

Our technology is designed for scalability and integration within local communities, involving waste-pickers in the supply chain to enhance their livelihoods and ensure a fair and inclusive economic gain. This tech-driven, impact-first approach not only tackles waste management challenges but also creates a socio-economic uplift for some of the most vulnerable populations.

Here are a couple of videos about our work:

• HistoryTV18's 5-minute episode click on us
• Launch Video (that went viral)

Our solution primarily serves waste-pickers in India, a group that is critically underserved and marginalized. These individuals, numbering between 1.5 to 4 million, are informally employed without job security, health benefits, or protective gear, and they often work in deplorable conditions for minimal income. They face social stigma and lack societal recognition for their crucial role in waste management.

Without by Ashaya's solution directly impacts their lives by integrating them into a formalized and more lucrative part of the recycling supply chain. By leveraging our technology to recycle previously non-recyclable MLP waste, we provide waste-pickers with stable, dignified employment opportunities and a higher income. They receive training to enhance their skills, enabling them to operate sophisticated recycling equipment, which significantly elevates their standard of living and social standing.

Additionally, our solution helps create a safer working environment by reducing the health risks associated with handling waste. Through our business model, we ensure that waste-pickers are compensated at a premium for the waste materials they collect, further increasing their earnings. The economic benefits are complemented by social upliftment, as we also invest in community development initiatives, including education for their children. This holistic approach not only addresses the immediate economic needs of the waste-pickers but also fosters long-term societal change.

At Without by Ashaya, our team's connection to the communities we serve is profound and personal. Our founder, along with several team members, have lived and worked closely with waste-picker communities in India, gaining an intimate understanding of their challenges and aspirations. This direct experience is complemented by our ongoing engagement with these communities, ensuring that their input and feedback are integral to the development and refinement of our solution.

Our team lead, having transitioned from a high-paying corporate role to focus on social entrepreneurship, was motivated by a deep commitment to poverty alleviation and sustainable development. This transition was sparked by firsthand observations of the inequalities faced by waste-pickers. The decision to focus on MLP waste came from seeing the impact of waste on both the environment and the lives of those who collect it.

In the design and implementation of our technology, waste-pickers and community leaders are actively involved in the pilot testing and feedback loops. We conduct regular workshops to not only train them on the new technology but also to hear their suggestions on how to make the solutions more effective and aligned with their needs. This collaborative approach ensures that our innovations are practical, impactful, and culturally sensitive.

Moreover, our team's composition reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, including individuals from similar socio-economic backgrounds. This diversity enhances our understanding and fosters trust and cooperation between Without and the community members. By prioritizing community-guided development, we ensure that our solutions are not only sustainable but also inclusive and empowering for the waste-pickers we aim to uplift.

At Without by Ashaya, we selected the PILOT stage because it allows us to test the scalability and impact of our innovative recycling technology on a manageable yet significant scale. Our pilot focuses on demonstrating the practical viability of our process and its benefits to both the environment and the local communities.

So far, we have built a proprietary chemo-mechanical process for recycling metalized multi-layered plastic (MLP), a type of waste previously deemed non-recyclable. This technology has been developed and refined in our laboratory, and we have conducted initial tests that prove its effectiveness. We've successfully transformed MLP waste into high-quality, virgin-like materials, which we have then used to produce the world's first recycled sunglasses from packets of chips.

Through our pilot program, we have engaged directly with the waste-picker community in Pune, India. We have incorporated 10 waste-pickers into our supply chain, providing them with formal employment, training, and a safer working environment. These waste-pickers are paid a premium for the waste they collect, significantly increasing their income.

Our recycled products, primarily the sunglasses, were launched in a limited batch of 500 units, which sold out within six days, demonstrating strong market demand and consumer interest. This initial success has provided us with valuable insights into market dynamics and customer feedback, which are critical for the next phase of scaling.

In summary, the pilot stage has allowed us to build, test, and refine our recycling process, engage with our beneficiary community meaningfully, and begin to establish a market presence with our sustainable products. This foundation is crucial for expanding our impact and scaling our operations in the future.

The problem of waste that we are trying to solve is gigantic. And at the heart of what we do is materials science - where we are using to tech to fundamentally increase the value of waste.

With this in mind, we think the credibility, network and exposure that MIT Solve will give us is priceless. We are eager for access to the sharpest minds around the world, and we think this will be a great avenue.

Our solution at Without by Ashaya is innovative primarily due to our unique approach to recycling metalized multi-layered plastic (MLP), a material traditionally considered non-recyclable due to its complex layered structure. Here’s how our solution stands out and catalyzes broader impacts:

We employ a proprietary chemo-mechanical process that separates and purifies the components of MLP, converting them into high-quality, reusable materials. This technology not only tackles a significant waste management challenge but also transforms a waste product into a resource, reducing reliance on virgin materials and minimizing environmental impact.

Our model integrates waste-pickers into the formal economy, providing them with stable employment, better wages, and safer working conditions. This inclusion helps elevate their social and economic status, setting a precedent for how waste management businesses can contribute to social equity.

By turning a non-recyclable waste product into high-value materials and products, Without by Ashaya has the potential to disrupt the recycling and materials market. Our products demonstrate that sustainable materials can be economically viable and technically feasible, encouraging other companies to explore similar innovations.

Our approach serves as a model for how technology can be leveraged to solve complex environmental problems while supporting community development. It provides a blueprint for other enterprises in the recycling industry, potentially leading to widespread adoption of similar technologies that upcycle other types of complex waste.

The scalability of our technology means that it can be adapted to different regions and types of waste materials, offering a versatile solution to global waste challenges. This adaptability could lead to broader adoption, transforming waste management practices in other industries and regions.

In summary, our solution’s innovation lies in its ability to address both environmental and social challenges simultaneously, promoting sustainability and inclusivity. This dual focus not only provides a direct solution to a pressing problem but also inspires broader changes in the recycling industry and waste management policies globally.

Our theory of change at Without by Ashaya is grounded in the principle that transforming non-recyclable waste into valuable materials can simultaneously address environmental degradation and uplift marginalized communities, specifically waste-pickers. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how we envision our activities leading to impactful outcomes:

1. Recycling Metalized Multi-Layered Plastic (MLP):

   • We use a proprietary chemo-mechanical process to recycle MLP, traditionally considered non-recyclable due to its composite nature.

2. Product Manufacturing:

   • The recycled materials are used to manufacture high-quality, sustainable products like sunglasses, which are sold to generate revenue and raise awareness about recycling.

3. Community Engagement and Empowerment:

   • Incorporating waste-pickers into our supply chain, providing them with formal employment, training, and fair wages.

1. Increased Recycling Rates:

   • By recycling MLP, we significantly reduce the volume of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, directly decreasing environmental pollution.

2. Creation of Sustainable Products:

   • Launch and expansion of a product line using recycled materials demonstrate the viability and market potential for upcycled products.

3. Improved Livelihoods of Waste-Pickers:

   • Formal employment opportunities and improved working conditions for waste-pickers lead to higher and more stable incomes.

1. Reduction in Environmental Impact:

   • Lower carbon footprint and reduced reliance on virgin materials as more MLP is recycled and reused.

2. Economic Empowerment:

   • Waste-pickers earn more consistent incomes, gain new skills, and improve their socio-economic status.

3. Market Transformation:

   • As market acceptance and demand for recycled products increase, other companies may be inspired to explore similar sustainable initiatives.

1. Sustainable Waste Management Practices:

   • Widespread adoption of similar recycling technologies could lead to a significant reduction in non-recyclable waste globally.

2. Systemic Change in Waste-Picker Employment:

   • Formalization and empowerment of waste-pickers lead to broader social change, reducing poverty and improving quality of life for this community.

3. Industry Standards and Policies:

   • Success of our model could influence policy changes that support sustainable practices and worker rights in the waste management industry.

• Third-party Research: Studies by environmental organizations like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation support the need for innovations in recycling technology to address plastic waste.
• Impact Evaluation: Our initial pilot demonstrated a quick sellout of products, indicating strong market demand and viability of recycled materials.
• Data from Interviews: Feedback from the waste-picker community has shown improvements in income and job satisfaction, validating our social impact approach.

By clearly linking our activities to tangible outputs and outcomes, and supporting these links with empirical evidence, we create a robust framework that outlines the potential for our solution to effect meaningful change. This theory of change not only guides our strategy but also helps communicate our impact to stakeholders and supporters.

At Without by Ashaya, our impact goals are designed to address both environmental sustainability and social equity, specifically targeting waste management and the upliftment of waste-pickers. Here’s how we define our goals and measure progress towards achieving them:

1. Environmental Sustainability:

   • Goal: Reduce landfill waste and ocean plastic by recycling 40,000+ tonnes of MLP by 2030.
   • Measurement: Track the quantity of MLP waste processed and recycled annually.

2. Economic Empowerment of Waste-Pickers:

   • Goal: Formally incorporate and improve the livelihoods of over 2,500 waste-pickers by 2030 through stable employment, higher wages, and skills training.
   • Measurement: Monitor the number of waste-pickers employed, changes in their income levels, and training sessions conducted.

3. Market Transformation:

   • Goal: Establish a viable market for products made from recycled MLP, influencing other companies to adopt sustainable practices.
   • Measurement: Assess sales growth, market penetration for recycled products, and the number of industry partnerships formed.

1. Environmental Indicators:

   • Amount of MLP Recycled: We measure the total weight of MLP material processed by our facilities on a monthly and yearly basis.
   • Reduction in Landfill Waste: Calculate the estimated reduction in waste directed to landfills due to our recycling efforts, using weight as a baseline metric.

2. Social Impact Indicators:

   • Number of Waste-Pickers Employed: Count of waste-pickers formally employed through our operations.
   • Income Improvements: Surveys and financial tracking to document changes in the earnings of waste-pickers before and after joining our program.
   • Training and Development: Record the number and type of training sessions provided, along with attendance and feedback scores from participants.

3. Economic and Market Impact Indicators:

   • Sales Volume and Revenue from Recycled Products: Track total sales volume and revenue generated from products made with recycled MLP.
   • Customer Feedback and Retention Rates: Collect and analyze customer feedback on product quality and sustainability, measuring repeat purchase rates and customer loyalty.
   • Industry Engagement: Number of partnerships and collaborations with other businesses and organizations within the recycling and materials industry.

We employ a robust monitoring and evaluation system to collect data on these indicators regularly. This system includes:

• Monthly Reporting: Internal reporting mechanisms to collect operational data.
• Annual Reviews: Comprehensive evaluations to assess annual performance against set goals.
• Stakeholder Surveys: Regular feedback loops with both waste-pickers and customers to gauge satisfaction and impact.

Through these measures, we ensure that our solution not only achieves its intended goals but also adapts and improves over time, driven by both quantitative data and qualitative feedback from our community and market interactions.

We are a total of 22 folks:

• 19 Full Time including 8 former wastepickers (who we've formalized)
• 3 Part Time including 2 former wastepickers (who we've formalized)

We have been working on this for over 3 years now, having started in Feb 2021.

At Without (by Ashaya) we have a healthy balance of all sorts of diversity. We have scientists, engineers, operators and former waste-pickers work alongside each other in as flat a structure as possible. We have folks from all income classes and close to half our team are women.

At Without by Ashaya, our plan for achieving financial sustainability is structured around diversifying revenue streams while maximizing the impact of our recycling technology and products. Here’s a detailed overview of our current and planned revenue models, along with evidence of our success to date:

1. Product Sales: We generate revenue through the sale of consumer products made from recycled MLP, primarily our flagship recycled sunglasses. This B2C model not only provides immediate revenue but also raises awareness about recycling and sustainability.

2. Material Sales to Manufacturers: We are focused on selling high-quality recycled pellets to manufacturers looking for sustainable raw materials. This B2B model serves industries like packaging, automotive, and consumer goods.

3. Technology Licensing: We have had numerous requests for replicating our technology across India and the world. Once our demonstration plant is built, we will pursue this as a revenue opportunity as well.

4. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Credits: Our recycling process qualifies for EPR credits under global and national regulations, which we can sell to producers and importers to meet their recycling obligations.

• Scaling Production: By increasing our processing capacity, we can reduce costs through economies of scale, thereby increasing our profit margins on both products and recycled materials.
• Expanding Product Range: We plan to diversify our product offerings beyond sunglasses to include other consumer goods, all made from recycled materials, thereby tapping into new market segments.
• Enhancing Material Sales: As regulatory pressure increases on manufacturers to use sustainable materials, we anticipate growing demand for our recycled pellets, securing more long-term contracts.
• Strengthening Partnerships: Continuing to build partnerships with major brands and corporations will provide stable revenue streams and increase market penetration.

• Revenue Generation: From the product sales alone, we garnered over $13k during our initial pilot phase, with zero spend on advertising, indicating strong organic demand.
• Investment Attraction: We have successfully raised over $800k in external funding, demonstrating investor confidence in our business model and its scalability.
• Grants and Awards: Receipt of multiple grants from environmental groups and innovation awards showcases the recognition and support of the community and potential funders.

Our approach ensures that while we focus on maximizing impact, we also build a robust, financially sustainable business that can continue to innovate and expand without relying solely on donations or temporary funding sources.