The initiative was inaugurated by Yogesh Desai, Assistant Commissioner, G North Ward, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. A key highlight of the campaign is an innovative pathway constructed using paver tiles manufactured from polymer-aluminium (polyal), a material recovered from used beverage cartons. Replacing a conventional concrete surface, the pathway demonstrates how the polymer-aluminium layer from cartons can be transformed into a lightweight, weather-resistant, and durable infrastructure solution.
The event also witnessed the unveiling of “Cartons to Creatures,” a series of large-scale interactive animal installations designed to showcase the potential of recycling. Aligned with the World Environment Day 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” the installation features life-sized animal structures created as engaging and immersive public attractions. Constructed entirely from recycled aseptic cartons, the exhibits demonstrate how everyday waste can be converted into creative and long-lasting products. Located in high-footfall public spaces, the installations are intended to encourage public dialogue on sustainability and increase participation in carton recycling initiatives across Mumbai.
Speaking on the occasion, Yogesh Desai, Assistant Commissioner, G North Ward, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, said Mumbai has consistently been at the forefront of environmental progress and that initiatives such as this reflect the impact of strong public-private collaboration. He stated that the pathway made from material recovered from used beverage cartons demonstrates how everyday waste can be converted into practical and durable infrastructure. He added that installations such as “Cartons to Creatures” help make recycling visible and relatable for citizens, encouraging them to reconsider the value and potential of waste. He said the BMC is proud to support the initiative and urged residents to participate actively in building a more sustainable city through collective action.
Kiran Singh Patil, Assistant Engineer, Solid Waste Management Department, G North Ward, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, said effective waste management requires not only collection and processing but also public awareness about the value of discarded materials. He noted that initiatives such as this help bridge that understanding by demonstrating how used beverage cartons can be transformed into useful and durable products. He expressed hope that the campaign would encourage greater waste segregation and stronger participation in Mumbai’s recycling ecosystem.
Kamlesh Kholiya, Sustainability Manager, Tetra Pak India, said sustainability becomes most effective when it moves beyond theory and becomes part of daily life. He stated that by bringing these installations into public spaces, the company aims to inspire citizens to view recycling as a simple action that contributes to a larger circular economy. He added that every recycled carton represents an opportunity to conserve resources, reduce waste, and support a more sustainable future for urban communities.
The campaign also features the larger-than-life Carton Recycling Relay collection bin, first introduced during the World Environment Day campaign in 2025. The installation provides visitors with an immediate opportunity to participate in recycling efforts after engaging with the awareness exhibits.
The programme is being implemented by RUR Greenlife, Tetra Pak’s long-standing recycling partner in Mumbai, in close coordination with the Solid Waste Management Department and the Garden Department of G North Ward, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Volunteers from RUR will be stationed at the installations to interact with visitors, provide information about carton recycling, and encourage participation in the Go Green with Tetra Pak programme. The campaign highlights Mumbai’s expanding carton recycling network, which includes more than 50 collection points across Reliance Smart and Sahakari Bhandar stores, in addition to over 200 other collection points throughout the city.
Launched in 2010, the Go Green with Tetra Pak Programme has encouraged thousands of Mumbai residents to recycle used beverage cartons through accessible collection infrastructure and awareness-driven community projects. Over the years, collected cartons have been repurposed into products such as school desks, garden benches, and educational installations that have been donated for public benefit.
As the Cartons to Creatures installations travel across Mumbai in the coming weeks, the campaign seeks to motivate citizens to adopt simple yet meaningful sustainable practices. The initiative underscores how everyday actions can contribute to environmental protection, climate action, resource conservation, and a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Tetra Pak is a global food processing and packaging solutions company operating in more than 160 countries. With a workforce of over 24,000 employees worldwide, the company works with customers and suppliers to provide access to safe and nutritious food while maintaining its commitment to protecting food, people, and the planet.
About The Author
Comment List