In the scenic locales of Senapati in Manipur, a remarkable transformation is underway, led by Manish Kothari of Rhino Machines, a visionary dedicated to the ethos of social engineering. With a rich background in the foundry sector, Kothari’s journey into social engineering inspired him to create innovative machines that now play a pivotal role in the Silica Plastic Block (SPB) project. This initiative will address the pressing issue of plastic and foundry waste and set a precedent for global waste management and wealth creation.
In a pioneering move for the region, Senapati at Manipur recently became the launchpad for the innovative Silica Plastic Block (SPB5) project, marking a significant stride towards socio-economic development and plastic repurposing. Implementing SPB Technology is a collaborative effort by Tribal Spun Repurpose Pvt Ltd (TSRPL), Empretec India, and Rhino Machines from Gujarat; showcases a remarkable fusion of passion, innovation, and community welfare.
During a discussion on the partnership with PPP-EMPRETEC India, Manish Kothari, Managing Director of Rhino Machines and Co-Founder of TSRPL, highlighted the significance of EMPRETEC and SPB Technology. This flagship capacity-building program by UNCTAD aims to bolster entrepreneurship and support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) towards achieving sustainable development and inclusive growth. Manish Kothari praised Makhrelui village’s initiative to collaborate with Empretec India, viewing it as a critical step in realizing long-term sustainable development goals.
Developing Sustainable Ecosystem through SPB Technology: Manish Kothari
“SPB Technology is rapidly emerging as the catalyst for industrial growth in the North East, marking a significant leap beyond just addressing plastic waste,” commented Manish Kothari, visionary behind the transformative SPB Technology. “We’re looking at a holistic approach encompassing machine manufacturing, vocational education, agricultural value addition, and solid waste repurposing and reuse. Currently, the manufacturing opportunities for the local population are virtually non-existent, which we aim to change.”
Manish further noted, “As we foster economic activities through these initiatives, we’re not just focusing on manufacturing. Hospitality is another sector poised for expansion. The growth in economic activities will naturally fuel the demand for hospitality, making it an integral part of the region’s development narrative. We aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits all sectors and provides ample opportunities for the people of the North East.”
Manish congratulated Caroline and Wangshi Akokla Jamir, the two dynamic young women leading the SPB Technology project with TSRPL. This collaboration between Rhino Machines, Empretec India, and the community of Makhrelui village exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, showcasing how innovative solutions and partnerships can lead to meaningful environmental and socio-economic advancements.
Managing Plastic is Key: Lokho Paul
Lokho Paul, Director of Pro Rural and Co-Founder of TSRPL, introduced the project as a landmark achievement for the state and the entire Northeastern region, aimed at combating plastic pollution. Empretec India, operating under the auspices of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), plays a crucial role in the educational aspect of this endeavour. Lokho Paul emphasized the project’s core objective: to foster a cultural and mindset shift regarding plastic and domestic waste management. Beyond mere production and sales, the initiative seeks to educate the community, encouraging individuals and families to participate in plastic recycling and actively monetize their waste.
Mr Paul shared the importance of expanding the project with larger machines to facilitate this process. He highlighted the critical need to raise public awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution. As the chief guest, Panii Ngaonii, Jr MCS, SDC, Senapati, expressed concerns over the district’s plastic problem without effective recycling policies. By establishing a comprehensive system for waste collection, segregation, and recycling, this project promises to address the environmental issue and create job opportunities for local youth.
The SPB5 project aims to transform collected plastic waste into valuable products such as flower pots, tea coasters, paperweights, paver blocks, tiles, and bricks. This is achieved through a process that involves shredding the plastic, melting it into a moldable form, and then shaping it into usable items using hydraulic press machines. This initiative tackles the challenge of plastic pollution and paves the way for sustainable community development in Senapati.
