India’s plastic problem is growing fast. Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste are generated, but a large part of it remains unrecycled. Most of this waste comes from multi-layered plastic (MLP) — the shiny wrappers used for chips, chocolates, and shampoo sachets. These materials are made by combining several layers of plastic, foil, and paper, making them nearly impossible to recycle using traditional methods. As a result, they end up clogging landfills, polluting rivers, and harming wildlife.
In the middle of this massive waste crisis, one Pune-based startup is showing how innovation can turn pollution into possibility. Founded in 2020 by Anish Malpani, WITHOUT is on a mission to give new life to the unrecyclable. The company’s name itself reflects its purpose — a world without waste. Through advanced technology and a people-first approach, WITHOUT is changing how India deals with its most stubborn plastic waste.
Transforming Waste Through Innovation
At the heart of WITHOUT’s mission lies its proprietary technology called Verdicycle. This system can chemically separate the multiple layers of plastics and metals that make MLPs so difficult to handle. Once separated, the materials are cleaned, purified, and reused to create new, durable products. What was once considered “non-recyclable” is now being transformed into items like eyewear frames, planters, and lifestyle accessories.
WITHOUT currently operates a demonstration plant in Pune capable of processing about five tonnes of mixed waste every month. This setup is a pre-commercial version of what the company aims to expand on a much larger scale. The technology doesn’t just reduce waste; it creates a sustainable loop where plastic waste is turned into valuable goods, cutting down pollution and landfill burden at the same time.
Empowering People Behind the Process
What sets WITHOUT apart is its commitment to social impact. The startup actively works with waste pickers — the informal workforce that forms the backbone of India’s waste management system. Instead of leaving them in unsafe, underpaid jobs, WITHOUT provides formal employment, skill training, and even company stock options. These workers are now machine operators and quality controllers, earning up to three times more than before.
Founder Anish Malpani believes solving environmental issues also means addressing social ones. His vision blends purpose with profitability, ensuring that those who once worked in dangerous conditions now contribute proudly to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
A Sustainable Business Model
WITHOUT’s approach is not just about recycling — it’s about redesigning how waste is managed and valued. The company received early funding, including a $150,000 grant from Unilever, followed by a seed round of $1.9 million to expand operations. These funds are helping WITHOUT refine its technology, increase processing capacity, and prepare for a full-scale commercial plant that can handle larger quantities of complex waste.
By combining technology, environmental responsibility, and inclusive employment, WITHOUT has created a model that’s both scalable and profitable. Its products appeal to eco-conscious consumers while solving a real environmental challenge.
Looking Toward a Cleaner Future
The journey of WITHOUT proves that sustainability and business growth can coexist. With its innovation-driven model and deep social mission, the startup aims to inspire other businesses to rethink waste management. The next phase of expansion will focus on scaling production, partnering with larger brands, and exploring new uses for recycled materials.
In a world drowning in plastic, WITHOUT offers hope — showing that even the most stubborn waste can be reborn into something beautiful and useful. Their story is a reminder that every wrapper, packet, and piece of plastic has potential when innovation meets purpose.