“Tetra Pak, Geeli Mitti and Swayambhu to drive recycling in Haridwar and Varanasi”

Gurugram, India – In a powerful demonstration of collaborative action for sustainability, Tetra Pak India, Geeli Mitti Foundation, and Swayambhu Innovative Solutions Pvt. Ltd. have launched a joint initiative to enhance the collection and recycling of used beverage cartons across Haridwar and Varanasi—two of India’s most culturally and environmentally significant cities.

The project aims to tackle carton waste at high-footfall religious transit hubs, including 13 ghats in Haridwar and 5 ghats in Varanasi, as well as the Varanasi railway station, which together serve over 200,000 pilgrims daily.

The collected cartons will be sent to paper mills for repulping fibre to make stationery and secondary packaging, while the remaining material—PolyAl (polymer and aluminium), an innovative material offering lightweight, durable, waterproof, and temperature-regulating properties—will be transformed into eco-furniture. This demonstrates a circular economy model that not only diverts waste from landfills and the Ganga River but also creates employment opportunities.

As part of the initiative, the partners will install:

• 59 changing rooms made from recycled PolyAl
• 53 drop-off bins made from recycled PolyAl at strategic locations

These installations are designed not only to facilitate carton collection but also to inspire citizens to become agents of change in the fight to protect the planet.

The campaign will also feature awareness sessions through Nukkad Natak performances and training programs for railway staff and platform vendors to promote behavioural change and proper waste segregation.

Through this partnership, the organizations aim to:

• Recycle 12.05 tonnes of PolyAl derived from 5 million used beverage cartons
• Prevent 57 tonnes of CO₂ emissions

Shagun Singh, Founder of Geeli Mitti Foundation, said:
"This initiative is a beautiful example of what’s possible when purpose-driven organizations come together. We’re not just installing bins—we’re planting seeds of awareness, responsibility, and transformation. Every carton collected is a step toward healing our rivers and empowering our people."

Juhi Gupta, Sustainability Director, Tetra Pak South Asia, added:
"We believe that every carton recycled is a promise kept to the planet, and every citizen engaged is a step closer to a cleaner, greener tomorrow. This initiative is about creating visible, local impact—where every bin, every action, and every recycled carton becomes part of a larger shift toward conscious living. When people see that their everyday choices can protect rivers, create jobs, and build a cleaner future, change becomes not just possible—it becomes personal."

This collaboration is more than a sustainability project—it’s a movement. By combining innovation, education, and community engagement, Tetra Pak, Geeli Mitti, and Swayambhu are setting a precedent for how environmental challenges can be addressed through collective action. As pilgrims walk the sacred ghats and railway platforms, they now have the opportunity to walk a little lighter—leaving behind not waste, but impact.

For over two decades, Tetra Pak has been at the forefront of driving carton recycling in India. Through strategic partnerships with recyclers, NGOs, and local governments, the company has helped build a robust collection ecosystem including 30+ collection partners and 11 recyclers. From setting up drop-off points and awareness campaigns to enabling the transformation of used cartons into school desks, roofing sheets, and furniture, Tetra Pak continues to champion the cause of circularity—ensuring that packaging never becomes waste, but a resource for good.