What happens to all the plastic waste we throw away? For most of it, the answer is alarming—it ends up in landfills, rivers, or oceans, contributing to environmental degradation. However, Delhi’s Mohd Suhail saw an opportunity to turn this problem into a sustainable solution. Through his company, Athar Packaging Solutions, he has successfully recycled 200 tonnes of plastic waste into sustainable packaging, proving that small businesses can drive significant environmental change.
A Mission to Tackle Plastic Waste
In 2020, at the age of 32, Mohd Suhail founded Athar Packaging Solutions with a clear goal: to combat India’s growing plastic waste problem. India generates a staggering 10.2 million tonnes of plastic waste annually—more than double that of several other major polluters. With landfills overflowing and plastic pollution choking rivers, Suhail sought to develop an eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging, giving discarded plastic a new lease on life.
Impact: How Athar Packaging Solutions is Reducing Delhi’s Plastic Pollution
Over the past three years, Athar Packaging Solutions has made remarkable strides in waste management and sustainability. Their key contributions include:
- Diverting plastic from landfills – By recycling industrial plastic waste, the company prevents tonnes of materials from being dumped, reducing environmental contamination and promoting a circular economy.
- Cutting carbon emissions – Recycling plastic is significantly more energy-efficient than producing new plastic from raw materials. For every tonne of plastic recycled, 1.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions are avoided. Athar’s efforts have prevented nearly 300 tonnes of CO2 emissions, contributing to climate action.
- Encouraging sustainable packaging – The company recycles 95% of plastic waste into sustainable packaging, providing eco-friendly alternatives to over 700 businesses across 60 cities.
- Promoting circular economy practices – Athar’s success demonstrates that industrial plastic waste can be repurposed into high-quality packaging, inspiring other businesses to rethink waste management and embrace sustainability.
Turning Vision into Reality: The Step-by-Step Journey
Suhail’s journey to establishing Athar Packaging Solutions was filled with challenges. From identifying recyclable plastics to expanding his customer base, he followed a strategic approach to bring his vision to life.
Step 1: Identifying Recyclable Plastics
Suhail’s first challenge was determining which plastics could be effectively recycled into durable packaging. After extensive research, he identified three types—LDPE, BOPP, and LD plastics—as the most suitable for creating sustainable products. This focus ensured efficiency in the recycling process.
Step 2: Securing and Modifying Machinery
Finding the right machinery was crucial. Suhail partnered with ML Polymers, a manufacturer that had an underutilized machine. He and his team modified it to transform plastic waste into high-quality pouches and zippers. Adjustments included specialized blending tools, precise temperature controls, and multi-layer filtration systems to remove contaminants, ensuring premium-quality recycled packaging.
Step 3: Building Relationships with Waste Suppliers
Convincing companies to supply plastic waste for recycling was another major hurdle. “We had to demonstrate that our solution was viable and eco-friendly,” Suhail explains. Through persistent efforts, he built partnerships with key suppliers such as Akash Plastic, Deepa Polymers, and Krishna Plastic Suppliers. These collaborations allowed Athar to secure a steady supply of industrial plastic waste, preventing it from polluting the environment.
Step 4: Overcoming the Cost Barrier
One of the biggest challenges was the high cost of sustainable packaging. Sustainable alternatives can be up to five times more expensive than traditional plastic packaging. To encourage businesses to switch, Suhail initially kept profit margins low—just 5%—making the transition more affordable for clients. This strategy quickly paid off, with the company acquiring 40 clients in its first year and experiencing rapid growth thereafter.
Step 5: Expanding the Customer Base
As demand for sustainable packaging grew, Suhail scaled up operations. Athar Packaging Solutions now serves over 700 businesses across 60 cities, including major hubs like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Leveraging platforms such as IndiaMart, Justdial, and Exporter India, the company expanded its reach and established itself as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
Step 6: Diversifying Product Offerings
Initially focusing on pouches, Athar Packaging Solutions has since expanded its product line to include a variety of sustainable packaging options such as corrugated boxes and stand-up zipper pouches. The stand-up zipper pouch, center seal pouch, and three-side seal pouch are among the most popular products, driving the majority of the company’s revenue.
Lessons for Businesses Looking to Go Green
For businesses considering a shift to sustainable packaging, Suhail emphasizes three key takeaways:
- Start Small, Scale Smart – Begin with a few eco-friendly alternatives and gradually expand as demand grows.
- Educate and Engage – Convincing suppliers and customers about the benefits of sustainability helps build long-term partnerships.
- Invest in Efficiency – The right technology and processes make sustainable packaging cost-effective and scalable.
A Sustainable Future
Athar Packaging Solutions stands as a testament to how environmental responsibility and profitability can go hand in hand. By transforming plastic waste into sustainable packaging, Mohd Suhail has not only reduced pollution but has also inspired other businesses to embrace eco-friendly solutions. His journey serves as a blueprint for entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact—one recycled package at a time.