Rising temperatures, a growing population, increasing pollution, and escalating commotion—yet there is one thing is not on the rise: the plastic waste in Delhi. Thanks to This Delhi Entrepreneur who Has Prevented 200 Tonnes of Plastic Waste From Polluting the City. Delhi’s Mohd Suhail found a way to give the plastic waste we throw away a new life.
In 2020, Mohd Suhail, a 32-year-old entrepreneur from Delhi, founded Athar Packaging Solutions to tackle the growing plastic waste problem in India. India generates approximately 3.4 million tonnes (MT) of plastic waste annually and Daily plastic waste generation s estimated at 26,000 tonnes, equivalent to about 26,000 small cars! With landfills overflowing and plastic pollution choking rivers, Suhail saw an opportunity to to provide sustainable alternatives through innovative recycling methods and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
ABOUT SUHAIL
Suhail’s journey was shaped by his early experiences and a deep sense of purpose. “It taught me the importance of making the most of what was available,” he reflects. With a master’s degree in social work, he dedicated over 12 years of his career to social development, focusing on women’s empowerment, child development, and environmental causes. Growing up in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, Suhail witnessed his father, a laborer, creatively repurpose discarded polyester and paper into packaging materials. These early memories made him curious — could discarded items play a more meaningful role in our daily lives? Driven by this question, Suhail’s desire to do more led him on a path toward transforming waste into valuable resources.
HOW DO THEY DO IT?
Suhail adopted a structured approach to establish Athar Packaging Solutions:
Step-by-Step Approach
Suhail adopted a structured approach to establish Athar Packaging Solutions:
- Identifying Recyclable Plastics: After extensive research, the team identified LDPE, BOPP, and LD plastics as suitable for recycling into durable packaging products.
- Machinery Modification: Collaborating with ML Polymers, they modified existing machinery to process waste plastics effectively. This involved adding specialized blending tools and multi-layer filters to ensure high-quality output.
- Building Supplier Relationships: Overcoming initial skepticism from companies about sharing their plastic waste was crucial. By demonstrating the viability and eco-friendliness of their solution, they built trust with suppliers like Akash Plastic and Deepa Polymers.
Product Development
Athar Packaging Solutions offers an array of products designed for various industries. The most popular items include:
- Stand-Up Zipper Pouch: Priced at Rs 300 per kg.
- Centre Seal Pouch: Ranging from Rs 140 to Rs 180 per kg.
- Three-Side Seal Pouch: Starting at Rs 160 per kg.
Despite operating with lower profit margins compared to industry standards (15% vs. 25%), Suhail’s strategy focuses on affordability and accessibility for customers transitioning to sustainable options.
Future for ATHAR
With a current revenue of Rs 1.33 crore, Athar Packaging Solutions serves as an epitome of how how sustainability can be integrated into business models without sacrificing profitability. Suhail’s journey reflects a growing trend among entrepreneurs who prioritize environmental responsibility while meeting market demands for innovative packaging solutions.
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