Noble Plastics is an eco-social initiative by the Catalyst Group that champions effective use of plastic waste, while promoting the well-being of people and the planet. Piloted in collaboration with Marks & Spencer (M&S) in 2018, currently the core business of Noble Plastics is, collecting used hangers from corporations in the apparel industry, repurposing or recycling these hangers and selling them back to apparel industry.
Operations are taking place in two sites in India- Delhi and Bangalore. The recycling and repurposing of hangers is done mainly by women and members of marginalized communities in these regions, who are hired, trained and empowered to work by our organization.
Any surplus from Noble Plastics is re- invested into our flagship primary healthcare program for the urban and rural poor, Invest for Wellness (i4we).
Noble Plastics’ value proposition lies in its ability to improve the triple bottom line – People, Planet and Profit. The benefit is three-fold:
Enables companies to significantly reduce their costs, increase profits, improve reputation and contribute to sustainability
Provides communities with increased employment, social equity and awareness of environmental protection methods, and better health.
Improves the environment by reducing plastic waste and carbon
footprint, while ameliorating waste management
Our Impact Since 2018...
Hangers Sorted
Hangers Dispatched
Hanger Recovery Rate
Recycled into New Hangers
Lakhs Reinvested Improving Health Outcomes
Tons of Plastic Saved from Entering Landfills
INR (~$74,081 USD) in wages have been provided
Days of work generated for marginalized groups & poor communities
Trees planted in Bagepalli (Karnataka) to achieve carbon neutrality
At current rates, Noble Plastics is expected to achieve 1000 tons’ reduction in the use of plastics in five years, thereby propelling companies towards their circular economy commitments and zero waste targets. Following its success with hanger-recycling, Noble Plastics is experimenting with recycling shrouds, ocean plastics and looking at expanding beyond the apparel industry.
In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Noble Plastics is integrating sustainability and social responsibility into supply chains across industries and the world, while synergizing people, planet, and profit.
This initiative has been supported by an Impact Investor and fashion retailer Marks & Spencer
For more information please email fuzhio@catalysts.org
