Ensures fair living wage for producers
Discloses the community being impacted
Reduces the environmental impact
Focusses on women producers
Reduces/Reuses/
Recycles resources
Recycles resources
Made out of responsible materials
Biodegradable or environment friendly
Uses portion of proceeds to give back to the community
WITHOUT, a pioneering social enterprise, is dedicated to revolutionizing recycling through cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements. Focusing on the daunting challenge of post-consumer metalized multi-layered plastic packaging (MLP), traditionally deemed unrecyclable, WITHOUT is reshaping the narrative by transforming this waste into premium materials, starting with innovative recycled sunglasses. While still on the path to full realization, their progress is undeniable. By prioritizing equitable distribution of value across the supply chain, with a keen focus on uplifting waste-pickers often marginalized in society, WITHOUT bridges the realms of non-profit and for-profit sectors, championing a sustainable, long-term vision.
Purpose
The brand’s mission is clear: to elevate the value of waste and ensure its fair redistribution among stakeholders, particularly prioritizing the empowerment of marginalized waste-pickers, liberating them from the cycle of poverty. This endeavor not only enriches lives but also betters the planet. With an unwavering commitment to leveraging technological and scientific breakthroughs in recycling, they embark on a journey to tackle all forms of waste, starting from a place of necessity. Their vision paints a picture of a world where poverty is eradicated, and every individual enjoys access to education, healthcare, and dignity, while actively contributing to the planet's well-being.
People
As a startup deeply committed to making a tangible impact, they've gone beyond mere rhetoric, legally binding themselves to their lofty social goals by revising their Memorandum of Association (MoA). Their dedication to social good is evident in their actions, with a focus on addressing significant societal challenges rather than solely chasing profits. Through their initiatives, they've positively impacted the lives of approximately 8 waste-pickers and informal workers, substantially increasing their earnings and providing essential benefits like health insurance and flexible schedules. Moreover, they've invested in the training and upskilling of 12 individuals, empowering them with valuable manufacturing skills. Their commitment extends beyond their workforce, with a generous allocation of 10% of sales towards educating the children of waste-pickers, offering scholarships to at least 30 youngsters, thus initiating a transformative cycle of opportunity. Additionally, they actively support women in the waste management ecosystem by offering premium rates for MLP waste procurement, significantly boosting their income and fostering economic independence.
Planet
Venturing beyond traditional recycling boundaries, they tackle the daunting challenge of post-consumer multi-layered plastic packaging (MLP), including commonly discarded items like chocolate wrappers and milk packets. These materials, constituting less than 1% of global recycling rates and a significant contributor to ocean waste, pose a formidable obstacle due to their complex composition. Undeterred, they've dedicated two years of intensive research and experimentation in a Pune laboratory, culminating in a groundbreaking solution. Their patent-pending technology not only recycles this previously deemed "impossible-to-recycle" waste but rejuvenates it, extracting and transforming materials into innovative products like sunglasses. This transformative approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also showcases their unwavering commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions.
