Founded in 2022, Elima’s co-founders identified a market gap for comprehensive waste management solutions that ensure compliance and meet customer needs, while prioritizing circular economy principles. Their long-term vision is to become a global leader in supplying high-quality secondary raw materials for manufacturers by extracting valuable resources from electronic waste and plastics, reducing reliance on virgin materials.
In an interview with ResponsibleUs, Abhishek Agashe, Co-founder & CEO of Elima, discussed how the company is closing the loop on supply chains by applying circular economy principles through reuse, refurbishing, and recycling infrastructure across India.
Q3: How does Elima approach e-waste recycling?
A: E-waste is considered a valuable source of materials due to the presence of rare earth metals, precious metals, and various plastics. Elima utilises complex processes to extract these materials for reuse in new products.
Q4: What are the challenges faced by Elima in building a circular supply chain?
A: Elima faces several challenges, including:
Overcoming psychological barriers: People often hold onto old electronics due to perceived value, hindering proper disposal.
Informal sector competition: Informal waste collectors can offer higher prices for materials due to a lack of compliance requirements and tax evasion.
Real estate and credit limitations: Establishing recycling facilities requires land and access to credit, which can be expensive, especially in urban areas.
Lack of industry recognition: Recycling is not yet recognized as a separate industry, limiting access to government incentives and support.
Q5: How does Elima address competition?
A: Elima welcomes competition from other formal sector companies in the circular economy space. They believe that a multitude of companies are needed to handle the vast amount of waste generated in India.
Overall, Elima is a company working to create a circular economy in India by focusing on responsible e-waste and plastic recycling.
They aim to extract valuable materials from waste and reintroduce them into the manufacturing process, reducing reliance on virgin resources.
Q6 How does Elima measure the success of its environmental and social impact efforts?
A: At Elima, we measure the success of our environmental and social impact efforts through a combination of quantifiable metrics and targeted initiatives. On the environmental side, we track the volume of waste diverted from landfills and incineration, focusing on plastics, e-waste, and other recyclables. We monitor the tonnes of materials collected, processed, and reintegrated into supply chains, particularly through the conversion of these materials into high-quality recycled products. Additionally, we assess the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions enabled by our recycling processes and benchmark these results against global sustainability standards.
On the social impact front, our efforts aim to improve the livelihoods and working conditions of marginalized waste picker communities. We achieve this through capacity-building activities, training on material segregation, and educating waste pickers on the value of waste materials. We prioritize their safety and well-being, equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to work in safer conditions.
At a broader citizen engagement level, we conduct Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities with housing societies, schools, colleges, and corporations, educating them on the importance and value of waste segregation, recycling, and reuse. We also organize cleanup drives, zero-waste events, and other activities to promote mass awareness about sustainability.
Ultimately, the success of these efforts is measured not only by tangible outcomes—such as waste diverted or emissions reduced—but also by the social and educational impact we create. We believe in empowering communities and citizens to be active participants in the circular economy, aligning with our vision for a balanced and sustainable future.
Q7 How does Elima collaborate with other companies and startups to advance the circular economy?
A: At Elima, we firmly believe that collaboration is key to enabling a better future. The circular economy and recycling sectors are vast, and no single company can make a significant impact by working in isolation. That’s why we actively collaborate with a diverse range of partners—from waste management companies to startups, NGOs, and established businesses.
We work closely with other waste management companies by providing operational solutions. For example, we manage the waste they collect, handling its processing and recycling. In cases where we do not directly recycle certain waste materials, we act as supply chain partners for authorized recyclers, ensuring these materials are effectively recycled through the right channels. This collaboration spans both startups and established companies.
Beyond recycling partnerships, we also collaborate with NGOs and social impact startups to raise awareness about environmental sustainability. Together, we organize citizen engagement activities such as collection drives and cleanup campaigns, helping these organizations spread awareness and efficiently manage and recycle the waste they accumulate.
Ultimately, collaboration is essential for building a robust circular economy ecosystem across the country. By working together, we can amplify our collective impact and move toward a more sustainable future