What is Recykal?
Recykal is a tech-driven cleantech company focused on providing digital solutions to brands, government agencies, and recyclers aiming to hit their sustainability goals. It’s all about helping businesses adopt eco-friendly practices and reduce their environmental footprint, pushing them to become leaders in sustainability within their industries. The company’s digital platforms enable positive change in how businesses manage sustainability-related processes, moving towards a closed-loop circular economy. Currently operational across India, Recykal has channeled over 400,000 metric tons of waste away from landfills, making a real dent in waste management.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Recykal’s impact is impressive, and here’s a quick snapshot:
- Partnered with 210+ brands to drive sustainable initiatives
- Engaged with 1,000+ bulk waste generators
- Collaborated with 3,000+ service providers and aggregators
- Supported 325+ recyclers and co-processors across India
- Recognized with prestigious awards like the Digital India Award by the President of India, Ms. Draupadi Murmu
- Named among Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in APAC
- Honored as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum
Digital Solutions for Brands
For brands, Recykal offers a comprehensive Sustainability Suite that covers everything from traceable plastic recovery to extended producer responsibility (EPR) compliance. Their platforms ensure transparency and traceability, making it easier for companies to fulfill EPR targets related to plastic, e-waste, batteries, used oil, and tyre waste. Plus, there’s an e-waste disposal platform that guarantees secure, compliant disposal of IT assets with real-time bidding and tracking. It’s a one-stop shop for brands wanting to buy sustainably sourced recycled materials like plastic, paper, and metal from sellers all over India.
Empowering Recyclers and Government Agencies
Recyclers benefit from Recykal’s marketplace, which drives quality, trust, and better value for recyclables. They can bulk buy recyclables or source e-waste efficiently through dedicated platforms. On the government side, Recykal digitizes waste management centers through initiatives like Recykal Points and Smart Swachhta Kendras, developed in partnership with MoHUA, UNDP, and others. Their Digital Deposit Refund System (DRS) is a game-changer, enabling high collection rates via a seamless, digitally powered deposit return scheme. This infrastructure is transforming how waste is managed at the grassroots level.
Track & Trace Technology
One of Recykal’s standout features is its SaaS-based Track & Trace platform. This tool allows industrial players to monitor their waste flow in real-time and report accurate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) metrics. It’s all about transparency and accountability, helping businesses not just meet regulatory requirements but also showcase their commitment to sustainability. This tech-driven approach is crucial for building trust and driving systemic change in waste management.
Recykal’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Recognition and Awards
Recykal’s innovative approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. The company has bagged multiple accolades, including the National Award by MeitY, Government of India in 2022, and was named a Top Global Game Changer in 2023. It’s also been recognized as a Technology Pioneer in 2022 and featured in Fortune’s Change the World list in 2023. Deloitte included Recykal in its Tech Fast 50 for Sustainability Tech in 2023, and the company earned a spot in the APAC Cleantech 2023 rankings. These honors highlight Recykal’s leadership and impact in the cleantech and sustainability space.
What Recykal actually does
Recykal is an Indian waste management technology company founded by Abhay Deshpande (Founder & CEO), alongside co-founders Abhishek Deshpande, Anirudha Jalan, Ekta Narain, Sujan Parthasaradhi, and Vikram Prabhakar. The company builds digital platforms connecting recyclers with bulk waste generators, with a stated vision to divert at least 10% of India’s waste back into the circular economy.
Recykal has raised $50 million in funding and now employs more than 600 people, backed by investors including Dr. Ranjan Pai (Claypond Capital), Ajay Parekh (Pidilite Industries), and Vellayan Subbiah (Murugappa Group).
Where the platform shows up
- Waste marketplace: connects recyclers directly with bulk waste generators.
- Circular economy targets: the company’s stated goal is diverting at least 10% of India’s waste back into circulation.
Proof, not just claims
Investors include Dr. Ranjan Pai of Claypond Capital, Ajay Parekh of Pidilite Industries, and Vellayan Subbiah of the Murugappa Group.
Why this belongs on a sustainability directory
Recykal supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by building the digital infrastructure that connects waste generators with recyclers at scale, working toward its own stated goal of diverting at least 10% of India’s waste back into the circular economy.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Recykal based, and who uses it?
Recykal is an Indian waste management technology company founded by Abhay Deshpande, connecting recyclers with bulk waste generators through its digital marketplace, backed by $50 million in funding and a team of more than 600 people.
Which SDGs does Recykal support, and how?
Recykal supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through a digital marketplace connecting recyclers and bulk waste generators, working toward its stated goal of diverting at least 10% of India’s waste back into the circular economy.
How is Recykal verified as a sustainability project?
Recykal is a member of the Solar Impulse Foundation’s ecosystem, listed as an Innovator, and is backed by named institutional investors including Claypond Capital, Pidilite Industries, and the Murugappa Group.
Looking for similar Waste & Recycling projects?
See Waste & Recycling projects on Keys for Tomorrow.
