In a significant step towards promoting inclusive circularity, nine Indian startups have been awarded for their innovative approaches to transforming waste into value while fostering social inclusion. This recognition comes from the nationwide innovation challenge, Techtonic – Innovations for Circular Economy, organized by Social Alpha and supported by the H&M Foundation through the Saamuhika Shakti initiative.
As new circular value chains emerge in various industries, particularly textiles, the opportunity to support social upliftment grows. Saamuhika Shakti has united eleven local partners to address the challenges faced by the waste picker community, including access to safe working conditions, social services, education, and economic opportunities.
The awarded startups exemplify the balance between environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Flaxloop, for instance, transforms agricultural waste into textile-grade fibers, providing farmers with additional income while collaborating with informal waste pickers. FibreSENSE offers a handheld device that enhances textile sorting for recycling, coupled with job training for waste pickers.
Other notable winners include MicroHues, which produces natural dyes from microbes, and Go Do Good, which creates sustainable packaging from renewable materials. Banofi and Bintix are also recognized for their innovative solutions that convert waste into valuable products while improving the livelihoods of waste workers.
The startups NovoEarth, Sunbird Straws, and Wricks by Angirus further showcase the commitment to environmental sustainability and social equity by integrating waste pickers into their operations, promoting fair employment, and upskilling opportunities.
Through these initiatives, the Techtonic challenge highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive circular economy, where environmental and social goals go hand in hand.
