As we observe World Environment Day 2025, themed “Ending plastic pollution globally,” it's important to spotlight the innovative strides India is making in transforming waste into valuable resources. With the nation generating over 62 million tonnes of waste annually, the challenge is monumental. Yet, Indian enterprises are turning this adversity into opportunity, pioneering sustainable solutions that convert waste into industrial fuel, thereby reducing landfill dependence and curbing carbon emissions.
The Luthra Group stands at the forefront of India's waste-to-energy revolution. They are India’s first private sector waste management company. By converting hazardous industrial waste and municipal solid waste into green fuel, Luthra Group has significantly contributed to environmental conservation. Their innovations, like EkaCoal—a patented clean fuel derived from municipal and hazardous waste—and CETP-ZLD plants that turn industrial wastewater into reusable water, tackle some of India's most urgent urban and industrial challenges. So far, they have generated more than 115,000 tonnes of industrial fuel from waste.
Rollz India is revolutionising waste management with its decentralised waste-to-energy as a service (EaaS) model. Their approach focuses on converting non-recyclable municipal waste into energy within city limits, thereby eliminating the need for landfills. By providing localised energy solutions, Rollz India not only addresses waste disposal challenges but also supplies industries with alternative fuels, promoting a circular economy.
Abellon CleanEnergy is a key player in India's biomass energy sector. The company focuses on converting agricultural and organic waste into biomass pellets, which serve as a renewable energy source for industrial applications. By promoting the use of biomass, Abellon not only provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels but also supports rural economies by sourcing raw materials from local farmers.
JBM Enviro has developed a waste-to-energy facility that operates similarly to a coal-fired power plant but utilises municipal solid waste as feedstock. By converting waste into steam to generate electricity, the facility addresses both energy needs and waste disposal challenges. This integrated approach exemplifies how urban waste can be effectively managed while contributing to the energy grid.
These enterprises exemplify the transformative potential of innovative waste management in India. By converting waste into valuable energy resources, they are not only addressing environmental concerns but also paving the way for a sustainable and economically viable future. As we reflect on the theme of World Environment Day, these initiatives underscore the importance of reimagining waste as a resource, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and sustainability.