BALCO Promotes Circular Economy Avenues Through Robust Plastic Waste Management Initiatives

Balconagar, 6th June 2025 – Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, India’s iconic aluminium producer and part of Vedanta Aluminium, reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability on World Environment Day 2025 by intensifying efforts to mitigate plastic pollution through robust waste management and circular economy practices.

BALCO has implemented comprehensive waste segregation systems in its township to ensure efficient sorting and disposal of plastic and other waste streams. In collaboration with Wastech India, a Raipur-based waste management partner, BALCO ensures the environmentally-sound processing of collected plastic waste, with certified adherence to responsible disposal protocols. The processed waste is then channelled by Wastech to cement industries for use as alternative raw material, aligning with BALCO’s vision of advancing a circular economy. Since the partnership’s inception in December 2023, over 200 metric tonnes of plastic waste, including both newly generated and legacy waste, have been disposed of through sustainable co-processing methods, marking 100% conscious disposal of the township’s plastic waste footprint.

BALCO has set up a Solid and Liquid Resource Management (SLRM) Centre. Waste is collected from households via electric vehicles with 1,000 kg load capacity each, and segregated at the SLRM unit into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and sanitary waste using a color-coded bin system. Biodegradable waste is converted into compost, while plastic waste is sent to Wastech India for responsible co-processing. This streamlined system ensures scientific disposal, resource recovery, and promotes eco-conscious community practices. To deepen impact, regular training sessions are conducted to educate residents on household-level waste segregation and promote alternatives to plastic, promoting an overall behavioural change for plastic waste minimization.

Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director of BALCO, said, “At BALCO, sustainability is deeply embedded into our operations. On World Environment Day, we reinforce our commitment to environmental stewardship by advancing responsible waste management and driving circular economy solutions. In line with this year’s theme of ‘Beat Plastic Pollution,’ we are adopting scalable, sustainable alternatives to plastic and ensuring environmentally sound disposal practices through strategic partnerships. As we move forward, our focus remains on creating long-term regenerative value, for the environment, our stakeholders, and the communities we serve.

As part of its commitment to fostering environmental consciousness, BALCO also observed World Environment Day by organizing cleanliness and plantation drives across its plant premises and township. It witnessed active participation from over 300 employees and community members, who collectively planted more than 600 saplings, and engaged in awareness rallies and clean-up campaigns. These efforts reflect BALCO’s vision of fostering collective responsibility for a cleaner, greener future.

In addition to its large-scale sustainability initiatives, BALCO actively promotes eco-conscious behaviour across its operations and community through initiatives such as:

• Promoting the creation of plastic-free zones across plant premises
• Distribution of cloth bags in plant and township to reduce single-use plastics
• Use of fabric material for eco-friendly branding and event communication
• Paper-based packaging for all its CSR products
• Advocacy to discourage the use of single-use plastic across both the plant and township premises

These initiatives are integral to BALCO’s broader sustainability strategy, which encompasses minimizing environmental impact, optimizing resource utilization, and fostering community well-being. By aligning operational practices with global environmental goals, BALCO continues to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s transition towards a more sustainable economy.