Tata Power Empowers Women Through Smart Circularity Initiative, Recycles 5,000 Kgs of Plastic Waste into Sustainable Livelihoods

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Image Courtesy: Tata Power

Tata Power, through its Anokha Dhaaga – Smart Circularity programme, has converted over 5,000 kilograms of single-use plastic waste into recycled fabric products, while generating sustainable income for women entrepreneurs. Led by women across six centres, the initiative has resulted in more than ₹20 lakh in fair-trade earnings, reinforcing both environmental and social progress.

This initiative, part of Tata Group’s Project Aalingana and aligned with World Environment Day 2025’s call to “End Plastic Pollution,” is rooted in the principles of circular economy. It includes the upcycling of used denim and plastic waste to craft a range of eco-friendly products. By combining waste reduction with skill-building and income generation, the programme demonstrates how local communities can take the lead in climate action.

Plastic waste was collected from Tata Power’s Trombay plant, employee residential colonies, and various Tata offices across Mumbai. Partnering with ReCircle, a waste management social enterprise, and its network of SafaiSaathis, the plastic was processed into RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) fabric. Women trained under AnokhaDhaaga then turned the fabric into T-shirts, bags, and accessories—many of which were delivered through large institutional orders.

The programme also repurposed pre-worn denim, extending the lifecycle of garments that would otherwise end up in landfills. This fusion of textile reuse and plastic recycling has created scalable business models for green manufacturing, positioning grassroots innovation at the heart of Tata Power’s sustainability vision.

As part of its broader commitment to responsible growth, Tata Power’s Anokha Dhaaga programme now supports more than 30,000 women across nine states. Originating in Mulshi, Maharashtra, the initiative has grown into a nationwide platform offering training, market access, and entrepreneurship opportunities in eco-conscious product creation—from stationery and home décor to millet-based snacks.

This approach is a key component of Tata Power’s larger movement under the banner #SustainableIsAttainable, which aims to make clean energy and climate-smart living more accessible. By linking environmental responsibility with community empowerment, Tata Power is creating inclusive pathways toward a low-waste, low-carbon future. The company’s strategy combines on-ground action, capacity building, and circular innovation to deliver measurable impact—offering a replicable model for businesses seeking to integrate sustainability with social transformation.