This year, rePurpose Global's much-awaited Plastic Reality Project is all set to take exclusive cohorts of business and sustainability leaders on a journey to witness the real challenges, solutions, and people solving the global plastic crisis.
This will be an eye-opening, lived, emotional experience, where we confront the realities of the environmental andhumanitarian complexities of the global plastic crisis first-hand.
We believe that this can completely transform how we relate to the problem, and inspire some much-needed energy to drive real change.
You will see unique waste value chains, and get a close and personal look at how real impact on plastic pollution is created in India and Colombia.
On this expedition, you will visit landfills, waste hotspots, and recovery facilities. You'll meet formal and informal waste workers, witness innovative models, and see community-driven solutions in action. You'll gain insights from leading waste experts and collaborate with peers to think about the future of plastic waste action.
Join us, as we explore the vastly different urban and rural waste value chains in India that offer a solution to mismanaged plastic waste with their unique approaches. Engage with waste worker communities and dive into stories from the ground.
Explore rePurpose Impact Projects
Experience and understand the plastic pollution problem first-hand
Brainstorm with fellow industry leaders on the future of waste reduction and prevention
Engage with circular economy experts and participate in a flagship Solutions Simulation workshop
What past attendees have to say
Salma Fotovat
Sourcing and Procurement Director, Riverside Natural Foods
"You can read about [plastic waste], you can see statistics and numbers and get alarmed – absolutely. But this is a whole other level of reality, and the magnitude of it is very intense.
It was great to meet so many inspiring and compassionate leaders who care so much. The connections I've made will be long lasting!"
Aaron White
VP of Product Development & Sustainability, Mananalu
“If you have the opportunity, come here and see it. Because unless you see you don't know. And if you don't know, you can't change anything. Come here and see what's going on and what organisations like rPG are doing to solve this really complex problem.”
Jon Smieja
VP Circularity, GreenBiz
"It is astonishing how little I knew about waste management in this part of the world. This was an eye-opening experience, to say the least. The way rePurpose set up the problem early and then some of the solutions later was invaluable! The cultural experiences were an amazing addition too."
How it all started
The journey began in Chennai, on India’s South-East Coast where attendees visited state-of the art Material Recovery Facility of rePurpose Global's impact project Neela Sapana. We explored the inner workings of the urban waste value chain that catalyzes the ethical collection and disposal of hazardous ocean-bound low-value plastic waste.
We then continued on to Kerala on India's West Coast where attendees visited rePurpose Global's impact project Hara Kal (erstwhile Hara Bhoomi) that recovers and processes low-value and hard-to-recycle ocean-bound plastics, in collaboration with local community groups.
The award-winning inaugural expedition with support from Sustainable Ocean Alliance and GreenBiz Group was launched in September 2022 and was repeated in 2023 as a week-long immersive experience in India.
Press Room
World Changing Ideas 2023
Plastic Reality Project received an honorable mention in the Nature category of World Changing Ideas 2023 by Fast Company
Got questions on the Plastic Reality Project? Our planning team will be available to support you with any information or logistical assistance you may need.
Visa Process Support
We will provide you an invite letter you need to apply for your visa to attend the Plastic Reality Project.
Domestic Trip Planning
All of your local travel, stay, food and ensuring your safety on the Plastic Reality Project are our responsibility. All you will need to cover are your international air tickets.
Reach out to us at plastic.reality@repurpose.global for more information
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the objectives of the Plastic Reality Project? What should I expect/ What types of activities will I be involved in?
The expedition's main objective is to take circular economy practitioners to the frontlines of communities where global plastic pollution is most acutely felt. This first-hand experience will strengthen corporate decision makers' sustainability strategies to create change that is guided by science and the realities on-the-ground.
The detailed itinerary of the PRP will be shared soon. Broadly, about 60-70% of the duration will be spent on field visits, including an opportunity to document the experience and create content. The rest of the time will be used towards brainstorming/learning from experts/peer mentoring/social conversations.
What kind of content can I capture from the trip?
We invite you to capture any and all content during the trip from your phone, with the exception of any sensitive areas that the local team will notify you of. In addition, we’ll also share content that we develop during the journey. Think plastic waste reality visuals, impact project images, waste worker interactions, and more! Feel free to use them on your personal and your organization's social accounts.
Who will be covering travel expenses for the trip?
rePurpose will cover all on-site/in-country expenses during PRP. We kindly request that attending companies bear the cost of their representatives’ flights to and from India and the costs associated with the visa process.
When can I book my flights for PRP?
We will reach out to you with the itinerary and all the information you’ll need to plan your travel. This will also include details about which airport you should book your tickets to and when, what you should pack for the trip, etc.
Who can I contact for advice or additional information on booking my flights or visa process?
For all flight bookings and related questions about travel, please contact plastic.reality@repurpose.global with the subject line “Travel Advisory”. We will aim to respond to all travel-related messages within 48 hours.
What if I need to cancel my participation in the Plastic Reality Project?
We understand that plans may change at the last-minute and sometimes it’s beyond our control. In the unlikely event that you need to cancel your participation in the Plastic Reality Project, please make us aware immediately. Advance notice is particularly appreciated, when possible. We’d be very happy to host another person from your team, if possible.
For cancellations we would appreciate it if you can inform us a month prior to your flight.
What facilities will I have access to during the trip?
As you journey through India, leave the planning to us. rePurpose Global will ensure all your needs are taken care of once you arrive at these locations, including but not limited to: Airport pick-up & drop All in-country travel Accommodation for the duration of the project Regular internet access at the hotel Food & water Laundry facility as available at the hotel First aid & emergency services
In case you have specific needs that need to be addressed, but are not mentioned here, please reach out to plastic.reality@repurpose.global to share more details.
What is your COVID policy for the program?
rePurpose views attendee safety as our top priority on the Plastic Reality Project, especially as participants will be flying in from multiple countries across the world.
When traveling to India, please keep your proof/certification of vaccination on you. You can read more about India’s latest covid policy on international travel. In case of any changes, we will notify you via email immediately. However, we also urge you to regularly check the page for updates as you get closer to the travel dates.
For any additional questions, please reach out to plastic.reality@repurpose.global
