Indian entrepreneur unveils innovative solution to recycle cigarette butts
by Ekta ChaubeyRecycling is a step towards a sustainable future, helping to save our environment before it’s too late. The world is struggling with the challenges of environmental degradation, recycling has become more important than ever.
Naman Gupta, an Indian entrepreneur took a significant step to bring a change to the environment through his innovative recycling initiative.
Code Effort Private Limited is a recycling company that turns cigarette butts into soft toys, yarns, cushions, and other useful products. The company was founded by Naman Gupta in September 2018. This recycling company is in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh, in Noida city. The visual shot was on January 15.
In an interview with Newslions, Naman Gupta mentioned that the problem of cigarettes in his city made him start this initiative. When he researched for a solution, he found that no one in India had addressed the issue of cigarette butt.
The findings prompted Naman Gupta to dedicate six months to researching alternative solutions to this environmental issue. He then developed innovative ways to recycle cigarette butts, paving the way for a more sustainable future
Initially, the company produced simple products like keychains, toys, and cushions due to limited technology. Between 2021-2022, the company began producing papers and textile materials, which have become bestsellers.
Naman Gupta later discussed their raw material sourcing. Webin, a bin for collecting cigarette butts, has been installed across India for the past six years and approximately 2500 ragpickers provide a regular supply of raw materials, yielding 1.5 to 2 tonnes of cigarette butts daily.
Following the collection, a five-step recycling process transforms cigarette butts into recycled fibers. These fibers are used to create various useful products like yarn, soft toys, and much more.
When asked about the employees, he said that they partner with vendors who provide manpower, as well as over 100 women from Nangli Wazidpur village in Noida city who help in the production of finished products.
The company supports environmental conservation by collaborating with ragpickers, women, and NGO volunteers to raise awareness across India. To date, the company has successfully recycled over two billion cigarette butts.