Bisleri CEO Angelo George highlights sustainability and innovation in plastic recycling

Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, India, delivered the third keynote address on Case Study: Sustainability in Action. George said, "We are committed to affordable, safe, and sustainable packaging. We have been plastic neutral and water positive since 2021."

He remarked, "Plastic is one of the greatest inventions, but its waste management makes it quite harmful. We have partnered with educational institutions, hotels and corporations to collect plastic bottles." He mentioned that used plastic translates into 6.2-million consumers in 37 municipal corporations.

Readers of WhatPackaging? magazine are aware that Bisleri assesses the recyclability of packaging through its Bottles for Change initiative, which emphasises the importance of clean, segregated plastic waste for effective recycling. The program focuses on educating citizens about proper plastic disposal and creating channels for collecting clean plastic waste. Collected plastic is then sorted by type and sent to recyclers, where it is processed into flakes and repurposed into non-edible products such as fabric, handbags, and window blinds. George shared innumerable examples with the 2,200 delegates.

He added, "We believe that consumers need to know about the innovative uses of post-consumer plastics. We have made benches, uniforms for our staff, bookshelves, and much more from plastic bottles."

During his keynote address, George alluded to how Bisleri has been conducting extensive awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of recycling and proper disposal of plastic. Today, Bisleri collaborates with various stakeholders, including NGOs, recyclers, and municipal corporations, to streamline the recycling process. These partnerships help in expanding the reach of recycling initiatives and improving the efficiency of plastic waste management.

He concluded, "We have partnered with Sri Ranga Polyesters to ensure that plastic bottles are converted into polyester. We have collaborated with Nilgiris district authorities to make Ooty the first plastic waste-free town."

The underlying theme in George's presentation was the economic viability of recycling. He seemed to say even though the economics of recycling can be challenging, especially when the cost of collection, segregation, and processing exceeds the revenue generated from recycled materials, Bisleri seems to be showing the way that this financial imbalance need not deter investment in recycling infrastructure and activities.