Meet The Brains Behind ECOWRAP, The Firm That Helps You Keep Clean

With sustainability at the forefront of this year's World Tourism Day, the theme being "Tourism and Green Investments," the need to be mindful of the impact we have on our environment is felt all the more. While travelling, we need to take care of two things: managing our carbon footprint and handling waste. A number of start-ups have come up powered by green technologies to provide sustainable solutions for our needs. Jaipur-based waste management cum FMCG supply chain platform ECOWRAP, is one of them. This technology-driven reverse supply chain model helps you keep your surroundings clean by focusing on primary segregation, recycling, upcycling, waste collection and tracking.

Angraj Swami conceived the concept behind ECOWRAP during his college years. His journey began in 2014 when he initiated a recycling unit in Delhi, driven by a noble intention to address India's pressing waste management issues. As time progressed, he had an epiphany: the true challenge in this field lay not in treating waste but in transforming human behaviour related to waste management.

In 2017, Angraj relocated to Jaipur and joined forces with three dedicated friends who shared his vision. Armed with an impressive IIT background, Ajay Buri harboured an earnest desire to disrupt the waste management sector. His extensive experience garnered over six years in product development, was a valuable asset to the team.

Manoj Sabu brought a wealth of experience, boasting a remarkable 12-year career in the business development sector. Chandrakant Swami, a graduate of Delhi University, had previously overseen a hyper logistics company. He committed full-time to ECOWRAP, leading the charge in the waste handling division with unwavering dedication.

We have implemented a comprehensive digital tracking system to efficiently track the dustbins and their location, along with the items collected from them. In this system, each dustbin is assigned a unique identification number, which can be either permanently marked on the dustbin or attached as a label or tag for easy identification. We maintain a centralized digital database that stores crucial information about the dustbins and our users. This database includes details such as the dustbin's unique number, user name, precise location, and any additional relevant information that enhances our tracking capabilities.

Unlike the traditional model of fixed dustbins for specific users, we treat each dustbin as an independent asset, allowing us to allocate them dynamically to different users as their needs change. Our database seamlessly reflects the current location or the user associated with each dustbin, ensuring real-time accuracy.

Whenever a dustbin is assigned to a new user or moved to a different location, our system promptly updates the corresponding entry in the database. To facilitate these updates, we employ a user-friendly web-based or mobile application, ensuring efficient and precise tracking of dustbin movements. Additionally, our dedicated collection staff can easily record collection details for each user, including the collection date, time, and any noteworthy information about the items collected. This recording process is seamlessly integrated into our digital platform, providing an efficient and comprehensive solution for waste management.

Through our dedicated efforts, we've successfully reintegrated a substantial 11,500 metric tons of recyclables into the value chain, thanks to our innovative source segregation practices and strong partnerships within the recycling and upcycling sectors. Every day, we continue to make a significant impact by collecting and diverting approximately 10-12 metric tons of waste from ending up in landfills, thus contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Most notably, our initiatives have resulted in a remarkable reduction of 21,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, a testament to our commitment to both environmental preservation and responsible waste management.

We've successfully onboarded a diverse portfolio of 1,200 properties, encompassing a wide range of establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, schools, colleges, and corporate offices. These properties actively implement a rigorous waste segregation process, spanning four or more degrees of primary segregation. What's particularly noteworthy is that among this impressive array of properties, 286 of them have achieved the prestigious 'zero dumping' status, signifying their unwavering commitment to environmentally responsible waste management practices.

Government bodies, including municipal boards and smart cities, undoubtedly play a pivotal and influential role in the waste management sector. Their involvement is critical for creating sustainable waste management policies and infrastructure. However, it's essential to acknowledge that collaborating with government entities can be time-consuming, and expanding operations to other cities can be challenging.

The complexities arise from the need to navigate bureaucratic procedures, comply with regulations, secure permits, and align with each government body's specific goals and strategies. Building trust and establishing strong partnerships with government officials also often requires patience and persistence.

Nevertheless, despite the challenges, these collaborations are vital for waste management initiatives' long-term success and scalability. Government support can provide access to resources, funding, and a broader network of stakeholders. It can also lead to the adoption of standardized practices and regulations that promote sustainable waste management practices on a larger scale.

You can read more about their work here.