Green Worms is advancing recycling technologies to produce high-quality recycled low-density polyethylene (rLDPE), addressing not only the challenge of plastic waste but also supporting the livelihoods of waste workers across India.
India generates over 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and more than 40% is not properly managed, according to the UNEP.
Among the most problematic plastics is low-density polyethylene, commonly used in food packaging. Its flexible structure makes it difficult to collect, sort and recycle. Even when processed, recycled low-density polyethylene often fails to meet industry standards.
As a result, companies tend to favour virgin polyethylene for its durability, leading to low demand for recycled alternatives. This dynamic leaves the country’s waste workers, 70% of whom are women, with unstable income and limited access to formal markets.
To address this, Green Worms is establishing an advanced recycling unit to improve the quality of rLDPE, enabling its integration into the plastic value chain. Equipped with technologies such as twin-stage extrusion and blown film processing, the unit enhances rLDPE’s strength, purity and durability. The resulting material is formulated to meet industry standards, making it suitable for tamper-proof and waterproof secondary packaging in the FMCG industry.
With TRANSFORM’s support, Green Worms will scale its operations by building more infrastructure to process and recycle low-density polyethylene. The collaboration will leverage TRANSFORM’s vast network to boost customer acquisition and build commercial partnerships, promoting wider industry adoption to make the solution financially viable in the long run.
The enterprise will also run community education programmes to promote waste segregation and circular economy principles among households, reducing plastic waste leakage at source.
Through this collaboration, Green Worms is engaging 4,800 women waste workers, supporting their transition into more stable and safer jobs and driving a 10% increase in their earnings. It seeks to impact 1.2 million households across India through its technology, workforce and community programmes, closing the loop on plastic waste while improving the livelihoods of waste workers and the wider community.