Plastic Reality Project logo unit

September 11-17, 2022 | Tamil Nadu and Kerala, India

What is the Plastic Reality Project?

The Plastic Reality Project is a first-of-its-kind up-skilling initiative dedicated to arming corporate leaders and environmental practitioners with knowledge and experiences to help shape plastic reduction efforts.

Industry-leading partnership

The Plastic Reality Project is supported by  Sustainable Ocean Alliance and GreenBiz Group. The inaugural expedition was launched in September 2022 with a week-long trip to Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India.

"GreenBiz’s mission is to accelerate the just transition to a clean economy through media and events. We’re so excited to partner with rePurpose Global on the Plastic Reality Project - an unparalleled experience at the forefront of impact. I hope you’ll join us!”

Jon Smieja
VP of circularity,
GreenBiz

"SOA is passionate about programs that mobilize a blue economy workforce dedicated to restoring the health of our ocean in our lifetime. Our journey with rePurpose is bringing decision-makers to the heart of the issue, just the kind experience to instigate meaningful actions!"

Craig Dudenhoeffer
Chief Innovation Officer,
Sustainable Ocean Alliance

Tour highlights

Project in Bogota, Colombia
Tamil Nadu
Chennai

The journey began in Chennai, on India’s West Coast where attendees  visited innovative, community-based waste collection centers and Material Recovery Facilities.

We explored the inner workings of rePurpose Global’s impact project Neela Sapana (नीला सपना) – run in collaboration with Waste Ventures India - which catalyzes the ethical collection and disposal of hazardous ocean-bound low-value plastic waste.

Attendees' experience was further enhanced by thought-leadership programming and guided reflection sessions. But it's not all about the plastic! Throughout the trip, we were immersed in cultural activities, exploring the world-famous sights, sounds, and scenes that India has to offer.

Kerala
KOZHIKODE & 
Malappuram

The Plastic Reality Project continued in Kerala on India's East Coast where attendees visited rePurpose Global’s project Hara Bhoomi (हरा भूमि). There we met impact partners Green Worms and the women waste workers of the Haritha Karma Sena.

Hara Bhoomi is a successful public/private partnership that recovers and processes low-value and hard-to-recycle ocean-bound plastics. Attendees had a special lunch with waste workers and  village council officials, and were fully immersed in an interactive waste sorting activity.

The agenda included panel discussions with waste management innovators and inspiring site visits.

Project in Bogota, Colombia
Conclusion

The trip concluded with roundtable discussions and solution ideation, as participants reflected on their journey and committed to taking action on plastic waste.

Participating organizations

Over 20 leaders participated from organizations across the CPG and sustainability ecosystems including:

Meet the speakers

rePurpose Global is excited to spotlight inspiring waste entrepreneurs and front-line workers.

Peter Wang Hjemdahl
Co-founder and Chief Advocacy Officer at rePurpose Global
Tamara Nameroff
Vice President of Sustainability at rePurpose Global
Kamal Raj
Director of Impact Projects at rePurpose Global
Salma Fotovat
Co-founder and Sourcing & Procurement Director at Riverside Natural Foods
Jyotirmoy Sircar
Project Development - Urban Infrastructure & Reforms
Kartik Khare
Global VP, Marketing at Tupperware
Aditya Siroya
Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer at rePurpose Global
Roshan Miranda
Co-founder and Director at Waste Ventures India
Nicolette Stosur-Bassett
Senior Brand Director at rePurpose Global

Live from the field

Want to learn more?

For media or participation inquiries, please contact
For a front-row seat to this immersive experience, including regular updates and highlights from the tour, follow rePurpose Global using the links below:

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