BASF India, in collaboration with Green Worms (Serve Rural) and the Indian Polyurethane Association (IPUA), inaugurated a corporate social responsibility (CSR)-funded polyurethane (PU) waste recycling facility in Manjeri, Malappuram district, Keralam. The initiative marks an important step towards strengthening circular economy practices and improving polyurethane waste management in India. Led by BASF India, implemented by Green Worms and supported by IPUA, the project aims to establish a structured system for collecting, segregating, recycling and repurposing post-industrial polyurethane waste from the footwear industry.
Facility to Convert Polyurethane Waste into Reusable Products
The initiative will establish a responsible collection and mechanical recycling network for polyurethane waste generated by footwear manufacturing. Through this system, the partners aim to divert waste from landfills and convert it into useful products, including indoor floor mats for rural schools across Keralam.
In its first phase, the project is expected to benefit approximately 4,000 schoolchildren from underprivileged backgrounds. In addition, the initiative will create livelihood opportunities for waste collectors and recycling workers, combining environmental benefits with community development. The inauguration ceremony brought together representatives from the government, BASF India, IPUA, Green Worms and key stakeholders from the footwear industry.
BASF India Highlights Sustainability and Circularity
Alexander Gerding, Managing Director of BASF India Limited and Head of BASF Group companies, said the company believes sustainability delivers the greatest value when it benefits both people and the environment. He noted that the new facility represents an important milestone in advancing the collection, mechanical recycling and repurposing of polyurethane waste from footwear manufacturing in India. Furthermore, he highlighted how collaboration with Green Worms and IPUA can transform waste that would otherwise enter landfills into valuable products. According to Gerding, the initiative promotes circularity, creates livelihood opportunities and demonstrates how industry and communities can work together to deliver environmental and social benefits.
Green Worms Promotes Resource Recovery and Sustainable Livelihoods
Jabir Karat, CEO and Co-founder of Green Worms, said waste can become a valuable resource when supported by appropriate infrastructure, technology and partnerships. He explained that the facility offers a practical and scalable approach to managing industrial polyurethane waste from the footwear sector. Moreover, the collaboration between BASF India, Green Worms and IPUA demonstrates how industry partnerships can convert complex waste streams into useful secondary resources while supporting sustainable livelihoods. Karat also expressed hope that the initiative would serve as a model for expanding polyurethane recycling across India and accelerating the transition towards a resource-efficient, circular economy.
IPUA Emphasises Industry Collaboration
Harneet Kochar, Chairman of the Indian Polyurethane Association, highlighted the importance of industry collaboration and technical expertise in developing practical solutions for polyurethane waste management. He said the initiative brings together stakeholders across the value chain to promote sustainable manufacturing practices and advance circular economy principles within the footwear industry. Kochar also encouraged stakeholders from other polyurethane applications to participate in similar initiatives, emphasising that the project could inspire further innovation in mechanical waste recycling.
Polyurethane Recycling Supports India’s Circular Economy
Polyurethane is a versatile material used in several industries, including furniture, bedding, automotive, footwear, appliances, construction and packaging. However, as its consumption increases, effective waste collection, recycling and end-of-life management solutions become increasingly important. The new facility in Manjeri is expected to strengthen local waste management systems and demonstrate how collaboration across the value chain can address complex industrial waste streams. As reported by scrbox.org, overall, the initiative combines polyurethane waste recycling with community development by promoting responsible waste management, creating employment opportunities and converting discarded materials into useful products. It also highlights the role of industry partnerships in advancing circularity and delivering long-term environmental and social benefits in India.
